Sukiya Shuts 2,000 Stores After Rat and Bug Found in Food
Japanese fast food chain Sukiya has temporarily closed nearly 2,000 outlets nationwide after food contamination incidents shocked customers.
Rat Found in Miso Soup Sparks Nationwide Shutdown
Sukiya, one of Japan’s most popular beef bowl chains, is facing a major hygiene crisis. The company announced it will temporarily shut down almost 2,000 restaurants across Japan starting Monday. This drastic move comes after a rat was discovered in a bowl of miso soup served at a Sukiya outlet in Tottori, southwestern Japan.
According to Sukiya, the rodent entered a refrigerator through a crack in the door. The company launched an internal investigation and immediately reported the findings to the public.
Another Food Safety Concern in Tokyo
In a separate but equally concerning incident, a bug was found in a food item at a Tokyo Sukiya restaurant just days earlier. This raised further questions about the chain’s hygiene and food safety standards.
Sukiya, which operates under the ownership of Zensho Holdings, said it takes both incidents very seriously and has issued a formal apology to its customers.
Sukiya Responds with Full-Scale Deep Cleaning
To address the issues, Sukiya will carry out a nationwide deep clean of all its outlets over the next four days. This move is aimed at restoring customer trust and preventing future contamination.
Sukiya’s Official Statement
“We deeply apologize to the customer who reported the case to us over the tremendous pain and trouble,” said Sukiya in a public statement.
“We also apologize to all our customers and stakeholders for the tremendous concerns and inconvenience caused.”
Sukiya Beef Bowl Chain — A Giant in Japanese Fast Food
Sukiya is one of the largest fast food chains in Japan, best known for its affordable and quick gyudon (beef bowl) meals. It has a strong presence in Japan with nearly 2,000 domestic outlets, and about 660 stores overseas in countries like China, Singapore, and Mexico.
The sudden decision to shut down such a large number of outlets highlights the seriousness of the situation.
Impact on Customers and Brand Reputation
This incident could temporarily damage Sukiya’s brand image, which has long been associated with budget-friendly and convenient meals. Hygiene and food safety are top priorities for consumers, and any lapse can lead to significant loss of trust.
Potential Customer Reactions
- Some loyal customers expressed shock and disappointment on social media.
- Others praised Sukiya’s swift decision to shut down and clean its stores, viewing it as a responsible move.
- Many called for stronger food safety protocols going forward.
Zensho Holdings to Monitor and Reinforce Hygiene Protocols
Zensho Holdings, which owns Sukiya, has pledged to strengthen food safety policies across all its brands. The group is expected to carry out stricter inspections and provide additional staff training in hygiene practices.
Industry experts say that while this is a setback, Sukiya’s reputation can be restored with transparency and consistent food quality.
What’s Next for Sukiya?
The company has not provided an exact reopening date but assured customers that operations will resume only after every outlet passes safety checks. A spokesperson said Sukiya is committed to regaining public trust through transparency, safety, and improved cleanliness standards.
Key Takeaways
- Rat and bug found in food at two Sukiya outlets in Japan.
- Almost 2,000 Sukiya restaurants shut down nationwide for four days of deep cleaning.
- Company issues apology and promises improved food safety protocols.
- Sukiya operates 2,000 domestic and 660 international outlets.
- Parent company Zensho Holdings to reinforce hygiene measures globally.
Final Thoughts
While the closure is a major move for one of Japan’s biggest fast food chains, Sukiya’s quick response may help preserve customer trust in the long run. With rigorous cleaning and upgraded hygiene controls, the chain hopes to reopen soon and continue serving its signature beef bowls safely.
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