Sukiya, a popular beef-on-rice restaurant chain in Japan, has decided to shut down its outlets for cleaning after customers reported finding pests in their food, including a rat in miso soup. The chain aims to prevent further infestations and restore customer trust through immediate action.
Japan’s Sukiya Restaurant Chain Closes Outlets Amid Pest Incidents
Japan’s Sukiya Restaurant Chain Closes Outlets Amid Pest Incidents
Following alarming pest discoveries in food, Sukiya, a major Japanese restaurant chain, announces temporary closure of nearly 2,000 locations for extensive cleaning and pest control.
Sukiya, one of Japan’s prominent restaurant brands, is temporarily closing nearly 2,000 of its outlets following two alarming reports of pests found in food items. Known primarily for its beef-on-rice dishes, Sukiya has begun a comprehensive cleaning process after incidents that triggered concerns among patrons and the public.
Last weekend, the chain confirmed the discovery of a rat in a bowl of miso soup at a restaurant located in Tottori, leading to widespread rumors on social media. This unsettling revelation prompted an immediate investigation and subsequent closure of the affected location. In addition to this incident, an insect—reported to be potentially a cockroach—was found by another customer in Tokyo just days later.
Sukiya, which operates under Zensho Holdings, announced a temporary shutdown of its outlets from March 31 to April 4 to undertake meticulous cleaning measures aimed at preventing “external intrusion and internal infestation of pests and vermin.” In an official statement, the chain expressed regret for the inconvenience and distress caused to its customers.
In an effort to address cleanliness and safety concerns, Sukiya has implemented measures to seal cracks in buildings and to ensure rubbish is refrigerated to deter pests. Moreover, every outlet is set to undergo routine inspections to identify potential pest entry points and maintain hygiene standards.
The company has encountered repercussions in the stock market. Following the initial report about the rat incident, Sukiya's share value suffered, though it has shown signs of recovery. The recent pest incidents continue to cast doubt on the chain's operational safety, prompting heightened scrutiny from investors and regulators alike. As Sukiya embarks on a period of cleaning and reassessment, it seeks to restore public confidence in its commitment to food safety.
