In brief
Sukiya, a prominent player in Japan's fast-food sector, announced the temporary closure of nearly 2,000 outlets for extensive cleaning due to recent pest incidents. This decision follows a troubling occurrence where a rat was found in a customer's miso soup earlier this year, prompting scrutiny and an apology from the company.
Sukiya, recognized for its beef-on-rice offerings, disclosed that it would suspend operations between March 31 and April 4 to combat potential pest infestations. The announcement comes after a customer recently reported finding an insect, believed to be a cockroach, in their food at a Tokyo location. In January, a rat was reported in a bowl of miso soup at a Tottori outlet, leading to a temporary closure and further investigation into the restaurant's maintenance and pest control measures. Rumors had circulated on social media before Sukiya confirmed the story. Following the incidents, the company stated that it would enhance inspections and implement stricter cleanliness protocols, including regular checks for building integrity and proper waste management. The restaurant chain is a subsidiary of Zensho Holdings, which operates several other dining brands in Japan. Sukiya's stock price faced a dip following the rat disclosure but showed signs of recovery later. The latest pest-related issues have prompted additional market scrutiny as customers express concerns over food safety.
