Loaves of bread have been removed from store shelves in Japan following the discovery of what is believed to be the remains of a small animal, suspected to be a rat. The incident has prompted the halting of bread production at a factory in Tokyo, with Pasco Shikishima Corp. recalling 104,000 packages of the affected bread.
The company issued an apology and assured consumers of compensation for the inconvenience caused. In a statement released this week, Pasco Shikishima Corp. expressed its commitment to enhancing quality control measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, seeking understanding and cooperation from the public.
Reports from Japanese media indicated that two individuals in Gunma Prefecture, located northwest of Tokyo, had lodged complaints with the company after discovering a rodent in the bread they had purchased. The affected bread had been distributed in various regions, including Ibaraki, Niigata, Kanagawa, Fukushima, Aomori, and Tokyo.
Based in Nagoya city, central Japan, Pasco Shikishima Corp. is known for producing a range of bakery products such as rolls, bagels, and muffins. Despite Japan's reputation for stringent food safety standards, recent incidents have raised concerns. Earlier this month, approximately 1,000 schoolchildren fell ill due to contaminated milk, while two individuals reported sickness after consuming steak at a restaurant.
In a separate incident in March, a health supplement product caused widespread food poisoning, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. The series of food-related issues have underscored the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in Japan's food industry.
