Ministop Halts Rice Ball Sales Nationwide Amid Expiry Date Scandal

Ministop has paused the sale of rice balls and deli items in response to misconduct involving fake expiry dates at multiple locations. The chain is currently conducting as emergency investigation.

A major Japanese convenience store chain, Ministop, has taken the drastic step of suspending the sale of its popular rice balls, known as onigiri, along with other deli items at around 1,600 outlets. This decision comes to light after an internal investigation revealed that employees at 23 locations, including bustling cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, had manipulated expiry dates.

Staff were reportedly extending expiry timeframes by delaying the labeling process for one to two hours post-preparation, or by applying false dates to items already on sale. In light of these findings, the company announced a halt on onigiri sales as of August 9, later expanding this suspension to include other deli items for what they described as an "emergency investigation."

A spokesperson for Ministop expressed regret for the disruptions caused to their loyal customer base, particularly for those who cherished their handmade onigiri and bentos. Despite the concerning nature of this misconduct, the company stated that to date, no health issues have been associated with the affected products.

Convenience stores, or konbini, are integral to Japanese daily life, offering affordable meals, snacks, and a variety of quick shopping solutions. Onigiri, loved for its portability and convenience, is especially favored among busy commuters, who appreciate the easy-to-carry rice balls filled with various proteins, from tuna salad to cod eggs.

Ministop, which boasts over 1,800 stores throughout Japan, is distinguished by its focus on fresh fare, including hot meals prepared on-site—setting it apart from its larger competitors.