Japan chain stops rice ball sales after staff fake expiry dates

Ministop, a well-known convenience store chain in Japan, has recently stopped selling rice balls, known as onigiri, and other deli items at 1,600 of its stores. This decision came after the company discovered that staff at 23 different stores had been faking expiry dates on these foods. Some employees delayed putting expiry labels on the rice balls and other deli items for an hour or two after they were made, while others changed the labels to show false dates after the food was already on sale. This misconduct was found in stores located in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Ministop first paused the sale of onigiri on August 9, and then extended the pause to other deli items on Monday to allow for an emergency investigation. The company issued a statement apologizing to customers for the inconvenience, especially to those who regularly buy their handmade rice balls and bento boxes. They assured the public that, so far, no health problems have been reported by customers.

Convenience stores, called konbini in Japan, are a big part of everyday life. Many people, especially commuters, rely on these stores for quick, affordable meals, snacks, and even last-minute groceries or banking. Onigiri is a popular choice because it is easy to carry and eat on the go. The rice balls are wrapped in nori, which is dried seaweed, and filled with ingredients like tuna salad or cod eggs. Ministop operates more than 1,800 stores across Japan and is known for its focus on fresh food, with hot meals prepared on site. This sets it apart from larger convenience store chains, which often sell pre-packaged foods.

The company is now conducting a thorough investigation to find out how and why the expiry dates were changed. They are checking all their stores and talking to staff to make sure everyone follows the rules about food safety. Ministop wants to regain the trust of its customers and make sure that all food sold in its stores is safe to eat. The company hopes that by taking these steps, customers will feel confident buying their rice balls and other deli items again. This incident has shown how important it is for food businesses to be honest and careful about food safety, especially in a country like Japan where convenience stores play such a big role in daily life.