In a significant move impacting daily consumers, Japan’s Ministop convenience store chain has halted the sale of rice balls, known as onigiri, and other deli items at approximately 1,600 locations. This decision follows revelations that employees at several stores had engaged in misconduct by falsifying expiry dates.
The issue surfaced across 23 stores, including high-traffic areas in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Reports indicated that some staff were delaying the application of expiry labels until an hour or two after the food preparation or were relabeling items with incorrect dates post-sale.
The suspension of onigiri sales began on August 9 and has now been expanded to include other deli products as part of an "emergency investigation." In a formal statement, Ministop expressed its sincere apologies for the significant disruption posed to its loyal customers who rely on their popular handmade onigiri and bento boxes. Fortunately, no health concerns have been reported among consumers thus far.
Convenience stores, or konbini, form an integral part of everyday life in Japan, offering affordable, quick meals and various grocery items, especially to busy commuters. Onigiri, which is designed as a grab-and-go meal and typically contains a filling like tuna salad or cod eggs, is a favored choice among customers for its convenience and portability.
Operating over 1,800 stores nationwide, Ministop distinguishes itself from larger competitors with its emphasis on fresh food, including hot meals prepared on-site.
