Mislabeling Scandal Forces Store Chain to Act
Japanese convenience store chain Ministop announced it will suspend sales of freshly prepared foods—such as onigiri (rice balls), bento boxes, and other deli items—after an internal probe revealed staff at 23 outlets falsified food expiry dates. The misconduct came to light across stores in major urban centers, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Saitama, Aichi, Hyogo, and Fukuoka.
How the Falsification Happened
Investigators discovered that in some outlets, workers delayed applying expiry labels—sometimes by 1 to 2 hours after the food was prepared—effectively extending its “sell-by” period. In other cases, staff removed original labels and replaced them with new ones indicating later dates.
Scale of the Outage Expands Nationwide
Initially, sales bans were issued to approximately 1,600 Ministop stores equipped with in-house kitchens. As of August 9, those outlets stopped selling onigiri and bento. By August 18, the suspension was broadened to include all prepared food items across the chain pending corrective measures.
No Illness Reported, But Trust Shaken
Fortunately, there have been no reports of customer illness following the incident. However, Ministop has issued a formal apology, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to customers who rely on its freshly prepared offerings.
Cultural Significance of Onigiri and Prepared Foods in Japan
In Japan, convenience stores—or “konbini”—are integral to daily life, especially for busy commuters. Onigiri, famed for their portability and comfort, are a staple grab-and-go meal. Ministop’s reputation for fresh, in-house prepared meals sets it apart from competitors, making this scandal particularly damaging to its brand image.
Next Steps: Investigation and Preventive Measures
Ministop has committed to identifying the root causes of the expiry date falsification and implementing safeguards to prevent recurrence. The firm plans to restore prepared food sales only after safety and trust are firmly reestablished.
This incident shines a light on how small lapses in food-handling protocols can erode consumer confidence—especially in markets where freshness and convenience are deeply valued. As Ministop works to rebuild its reputation, the episode serves as a stark reminder for the entire industry of the importance of transparency and quality control.
