Over 100,000 packets of sliced bread have been recalled in Japan following the unsettling discovery of black rat body parts inside two of them. This unusual incident has caught the attention of a country known for its stringent sanitation standards. Pasco Shikishima Corporation, the manufacturer, is currently investigating to determine how the remains of the rodent managed to infiltrate their products.
Fortunately, there have been no reports thus far of anyone falling ill after consuming the processed white “chojuku” bread, a beloved item often found on Japanese breakfast tables. The recall affects approximately 104,000 packs of bread distributed throughout mainland Japan, from Tokyo to the northern Aomori.
Expressing sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to customers and clients, Pasco stated on Tuesday addressing the issue. Subsequently, on Wednesday, the company confirmed the contamination of the two packs with parts of a black rat. These specific packs were manufactured at a facility in Tokyo, which has temporarily halted its assembly line while the investigation is underway. Pasco emphasized its commitment to reinforcing the quality management system to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.
While Japan maintains a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, occasional cases of food poisoning and recalls do manage to make headlines. In a similar incident last year, a rice ball sold by a convenience store chain, 7-Eleven, caused quite a stir when a cockroach was found in it, leading to both an apology and a product recall.
Recently, the nation faced another health scare when Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a drugmaker, initiated a recall of dietary supplements designed to lower cholesterol. This recall was prompted by the company’s investigation into five potential deaths linked to consuming products containing red yeast rice, also known as “beni koji.”
As authorities and manufacturers actively address these food safety concerns, the public remains vigilant, and the hope is that strict measures will continue to uphold Japan’s reputation for maintaining the highest standards of sanitation in its food industry.
