Pests have been found in food at a major Japanese restaurant chain, sparking concerns over food safety and prompting the company to temporarily close its outlets for deep cleaning.
A recent incident has highlighted the issue of pests being found in food at one of Japan’s biggest restaurant chains, Sukiya. The company has announced that it will be closing its outlets for deep cleaning after two incidents of customers finding pests, including a rat, in their food.
Sukiya is a Japanese fast food chain specializing in gyudon, a popular beef bowl dish.
Sukiya is founded in 1982, the company has expanded globally with over 1,000 locations worldwide.
Sukiya's menu features a range of 'gyudon variations' , including classic, premium, and limited-time offers.
The chain is known for its high-quality ingredients and efficient service, making it a favorite among customers seeking quick and affordable meals.
Pest Incidents Spark Concern Over Food Safety
In January, a rodent was discovered in a bowl of miso soup at one of Sukiya‘s restaurants in the city of ‘Tottori‘ . Although the restaurant was temporarily closed and measures were taken to address cracks in the building that could lead to contamination, rumors about the incident had been circulating on social media for weeks before Sukiya confirmed the discovery.
More recently, a customer found an insect – widely reported to have been part or all of a ‘cockroach‘ – on Friday at one of Sukiya‘s outlets in Tokyo. The manager apologized to the customer and gave them a refund. Despite these incidents, Sukiya has not yet disclosed how often its restaurants are inspected for pests.
Cockroaches are one of the oldest living insects, with a fossil record dating back over 320 million years.
They belong to the order Blattodea and are characterized by their flat, oval-shaped bodies and long antennae.
There are over 4,000 known species of cockroaches, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several inches in length.
Cockroaches are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of organic materials including decaying plant matter, animal waste, and even small insects.
Measures Taken to Address Pest Issues
Sukiya has announced that it will be regularly checking its outlets for gaps and ensuring that rubbish is refrigerated. The company has also stated that most of its sites will be shut between March 31st and April 4th ‘to prevent external intrusion and internal infestation of pests and vermin.’ This temporary closure is intended to address the issue and restore customer trust.
Consequences for Sukiya’s Share Price
The recent incidents have had a significant impact on Sukiya‘s share price, which tumbled following the disclosure about the rat in January before recovering later in the week. With the announcement of the temporary closure, investors will be watching closely to see how the company addresses these issues and whether its share price takes a hit as a result.
The temporary closure of Sukiya‘s outlets is a significant concern for food safety in Japan, where the public expects high standards of quality and cleanliness from restaurants. As the company works to address these issues, it will be important to monitor its progress and ensure that customers can trust their food is safe to eat.
Food safety is a critical public health issue worldwide, affecting millions of people annually.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten people falls ill after eating contaminated food, resulting in approximately 420,000 deaths each year.
Foodborne illnesses are often caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can be spread through improper handling, storage, and cooking of food.
To mitigate these risks, governments and health organizations promote safe food practices, including proper hygiene, temperature control, and labeling regulations.
