JAPAN – In a rare incident that has shaken the confidence of Japanese consumers, more than 100,000 packets of sliced bread have been recalled by Pasco Shikishima Corporation after parts of a black rat’s body were discovered in two of them. The recall, which affects packets sold in mainland Japan from Tokyo to the northern Aomori region, is a significant blow to the country’s reputation for high standards of sanitation and food safety.

The incident is particularly disturbing given Japan’s strict food safety regulations and the fact that food recalls are relatively rare in the country. Pasco Shikishima Corporation has apologized for the incident and has suspended production at its Tokyo factory pending an investigation into how the rodent remains entered its products.

So far, there have been no reports of anyone falling ill after consuming the contaminated bread, but the incident has raised concerns about the quality control measures in place at the factory. The company has promised to strengthen its quality management system to prevent such incidents in the future.

This is not the first time that Japan has faced a food safety scare. In 2023, convenience store chain 7-Eleven recalled rice balls after a cockroach was found in one of them. More recently, drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical recalled dietary supplements after five deaths were potentially linked to the products containing red yeast rice.

The incident highlights the need for food manufacturers to be vigilant about their quality control measures and to take prompt action when contamination is detected. It also underscores the importance of transparency and communication in maintaining consumer trust.

In Japan, where food safety is taken extremely seriously, such incidents can have significant reputational and financial consequences for companies. Pasco Shikishima Corporation’s prompt recall and apology are steps in the right direction, but the company will need to take concrete actions to restore consumer confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation into the incident continues, it is clear that food safety will remain a top priority for Japanese consumers and regulators. The incident serves as a reminder that even in countries with high standards of sanitation, vigilance is necessary to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the food supply.