Japanese Convenience Store Chain Ministop Halts Rice Ball Sales Amid Expiry Date Falsification Scandal
Ministop Halts Rice Ball Sales
Tokyo, Japan – August 20, 2025 – Ministop, a prominent Japanese convenience store chain, has suspended the sale of rice balls (onigiri) and other deli items at approximately 1,600 of its stores nationwide following the discovery that staff at multiple locations falsified expiry dates on in-house prepared foods. The scandal, which has sparked widespread concern among consumers and industry watchers, has raised serious questions about food safety practices and corporate oversight in Japan’s highly competitive convenience store sector. The suspension, which began with onigiri on August 9 and was extended to all deli items by August 18, has disrupted operations at a chain known for its fresh, made-on-site meals, a key differentiator from larger competitors like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
The Scandal Unfolds
The issue came to light after Ministop Co., a subsidiary of retail giant Aeon Co., conducted an internal investigation that revealed misconduct at 23 stores across seven prefectures, including major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Saitama, Aichi, Hyogo, and Fukuoka. According to reports, some store workers manipulated expiry dates in two primary ways: delaying the application of expiry labels by one to two hours after food preparation, and, in more egregious cases, removing existing labels and replacing them with false dates to extend the shelf life of products. These practices were particularly alarming at two stores in Kyoto Prefecture, where workers admitted to falsifying expiry dates for several years, according to the local health center.
Ministop’s onigiri, bento boxes, and other deli items are prepared in in-store kitchens, a feature that sets the chain apart in Japan’s convenience store market. Unlike larger chains that rely heavily on factory-produced meals, Ministop emphasizes fresh, handmade food, which has cultivated a loyal customer base. Onigiri, in particular, is a popular grab-and-go item, typically wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and filled with ingredients like tuna salad, cod eggs, or pickled plums. The falsification of expiry dates undermines the trust consumers place in the chain’s commitment to freshness and safety.
In a statement released on August 18, Ministop expressed deep regret: “We sincerely apologize to customers who purchased handmade onigiri and bento boxes, as well as other concerned parties, for the significant inconvenience caused.” The company emphasized that no health issues have been reported as a result of the falsified dates, but the scale of the misconduct prompted an “emergency investigation” and the immediate suspension of all in-store cooked items.
Scale and Scope of the Misconduct
The falsification scandal spans 23 stores, with 11 located in Osaka Prefecture, three in Kyoto, two in Tokyo, two in Saitama, two in Aichi, two in Hyogo, and one in Fukuoka. While this represents a small fraction of Ministop’s 1,818 stores nationwide, the geographic spread of the issue suggests systemic failures in oversight and training. In Hyogo Prefecture, reports surfaced that workers were allegedly instructed by store owners to falsify expiry dates when excess food was prepared, pointing to potential pressure from management to reduce food waste.
The revelation that two Kyoto stores engaged in these practices for “several years” has intensified scrutiny. The local health center’s findings indicate a long-standing issue that went undetected, raising questions about the effectiveness of Ministop’s internal quality control measures. The company has not yet disclosed how the misconduct was initially discovered, but the scale of the response—halting deli sales at 1,600 stores—underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Consumer Reaction and Food Safety Concerns
The news has sparked significant backlash online, with customers expressing shock and disappointment. One user on X wrote, “I can’t believe the company was relabeling expiry dates. Not just in-store-prepared items but even side dishes, that’s a bit too scary…!” The sentiment reflects broader concerns about food safety in Japan, where strict regulations govern “consume by” dates (shouhikigen) for perishabl items like onigiri and bento boxes. Unlike “best before” dates (shoumikigen), which indicate when a product may lose its optimal flavor, “consume by” dates are critical for ensuring safety, as food poisoning from improperly stored rice can be severe.
Japan’s convenience store culture places a premium on freshness, with stores like Ministop priding themselves on offering meals prepared daily. The falsification of expiry dates not only violates consumer trust but also poses potential health risks. Rice-based products like onigiri are particularly susceptible to bacterial growth if not stored properly, and extending expiry dates could increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. While no health issues have been reported, the absence of reported cases may reflect luck rather than robust safety practices.
The scandal also highlights broader challenges in Japan’s food industry, where the pressure to minimize food waste can conflict with safety standards. In recent years, competitors like 7-Eleven have explored extending the shelf life of onigiri to reduce waste, with plans to increase expiry periods from 18 hours to up to two days. However, such initiatives require rigorous safety protocols, and Ministop’s scandal underscores the risks of cutting corners.
Historical Context: Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first time Japanese food companies have faced scrutiny over expiry date falsification. In 2017, convenience store chain Lawson was implicated in similar practices with its bento boxes, and confectionery company Akafuku faced allegations of relabeling products. Perhaps most notoriously, the Snow Brand Milk Products scandal in 2000 saw 13,000 people sickened by tainted milk, with the company later caught mislabeling beef origins. These incidents have heightened public sensitivity to food safety violations, making Ministop’s misstep particularly damaging to its reputation.
The recurrence of such scandals suggests systemic issues within the industry, including intense pressure to reduce food waste and maintain profitability in a highly competitive market. Convenience stores in Japan operate on razor-thin margins, and the cost of discarding unsold food can be significant. However, as one commenter on X noted, “This is not about ‘best before’ dates but the safety concerned ‘consume by’ dates… Saying that you can reduce waste by ignoring safety concerns is not really that good of an argument.”
Ministop’s Response and Next Steps
Ministop has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root causes of the misconduct and implement corrective measures. The company has not specified a timeline for resuming deli sales, stating that operations will remain suspended until improvements are in place. Factory-produced items, which are not affected by the in-store falsification, continue to be sold.
The suspension of deli sales at 1,600 stores represents a significant operational and financial blow. Onigiri and bento boxes are high-margin items that drive foot traffic, and their absence could push customers to competitors. Ministop’s smaller scale compared to giants like 7-Eleven (over 20,000 stores) and FamilyMart makes it particularly vulnerable to reputational damage and loss of market share.
To rebuild trust, Ministop will need to address not only the immediate issue of falsified expiry dates but also the underlying factors that allowed such practices to persist. This may include enhanced training for staff, stricter oversight of in-store kitchens, and improved auditing processes. The company’s parent, Aeon Co., may also face pressure to implement chain-wide reforms to prevent similar issues at other subsidiaries.
To rebuild trust, Ministop will need to address not only the immediate issue of falsified expiry dates but also the underlying factors that allowed such practices to persist. This may include enhanced training for staff, stricter oversight of in-store kitchens, and improved auditing processes. The company’s parent, Aeon Co., may also face pressure to implement chain-wide reforms to prevent similar issues at other subsidiaries.
Industry and Cultural Implications
The scandal comes at a time when Japan’s convenience store industry is under increasing scrutiny for its labor practices and operational model. Convenience stores, or “konbini,” are a cornerstone of daily life in Japan, offering everything from meals to banking services. However, the industry’s reliance on low-wage, often overworked staff has been criticized, and the pressure to meet sales targets while minimizing waste may have contributed to the misconduct at Ministop.
Moreover, the incident highlights the tension between Japan’s cultural emphasis on freshness and the practical challenges of managing perishable inventory. Consumers expect konbini food to be fresh and safe, but the short shelf life of items like onigiri creates logistical challenges. The government’s strict labeling requirements, introduced in 1995 to reduce food waste and align with international standards, aim to balance safety and efficiency, but incidents like this reveal gaps in enforcement.
Looking Ahead
As Ministop navigates this crisis, the company faces the dual challenge of restoring consumer confidence and addressing systemic issues within its operations. The suspension of deli sales, while necessary, is a stopgap measure that does not address the root causes of the scandal. Customers, meanwhile, are left questioning the reliability of a chain they once trusted for fresh, convenient meals.
The broader convenience store industry may also face fallout, as competitors are likely to double down on compliance to avoid similar scandals. For now, Ministop’s onigiri and bento boxes remain off the shelves, and the chain’s path to recovery will depend on its ability to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to food safety. As one X user poignantly noted, “What, that many…!? Not just in-store-prepared items but even side dishes, that’s a bit too scary…!” The sentiment encapsulates the challenge ahead for Ministop: rebuilding trust in a market where safety and freshness are non-negotiable.
