The Japanese chain stops rice sales with ball after fake expiring dates

A Japanese chain for comfortable stores stopped selling rice balls or onigiri and other delicacies in 1600 stores after finding that the staff had falsified the expiration dates.

The staff in some stores extend the leakage dates, not gluing labels on the plates for up to an hour or two after they are prepared. Others resumed the items with fake dates after being launched, found Ministop.

Unlawful behavior has been reported in 23 stores across the country, including major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The chain has stopped sales of Onigiri in most of its retail outlets since August 9, and on Monday, the pause for other delicacies for an “emergency investigation” extended.

“We sincerely apologize for the significant inconvenience caused by our customers who supported Ministop’s handmade onigirs and handmade Bento Boxes,” the company said on Monday.

Customers have not reported health problems so far, he added.

Facility or centers stores are part of daily life in Japan, where people – especially traveling – stop for affordable and filling meals and grocery at the last minute and bank orders.

Onigiri is popular with customers who want meals to pick and move, as the rice balls are easy to carry-nor or dried seaweed and filled with protein such as tuna salad or fever eggs.

Ministop operates more than 1800 stores in Japan. His focus on fresh food – with hot meals prepared on the spot – distinguishes it from the greater chains.