Japan's Ministop convenience store chain has temporarily halted sales of rice balls, known as onigiri, and other deli items across 1,600 locations due to staff faking expiry dates. Investigations revealed that workers at 23 stores, including those in bustling cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, had extended expiry dates by delaying the application of time stamps or relabelling items with incorrect dates. This incident has raised concerns, prompting an emergency investigation since the halt began on August 9.
In a statement, Ministop expressed its regret for the "significant inconvenience" caused to loyal customers who enjoy their handmade onigiri and bento boxes. Thankfully, no health complaints have been reported by the customers. In Japan, convenience stores, known as konbini, are an everyday essential for securing quick meals and groceries, especially for busy commuters. The onigiri, easy to carry and typically filled with ingredients like tuna salad or cod eggs, is a sought-after grab-and-go option. Notably, Ministop differentiates itself by placing a strong emphasis on fresh, onsite-prepared food, a strategy that sets it apart from larger competitors in the market.
