One of Japan’s best-known bread brands, Pasco Shikishima Corporation, has recalled thousands of loaves of bread after black rat remains were found in several products. The products are also exported to the US, China, Australia and Singapore, among others. There have been no reports of people becoming ill so far, Pasco said in a statement.
Pasco bread is a staple in many Japanese households and is sold in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country. About 104,000 packs of sliced white bread from Pasco Shikishima Corporation have been removed from store shelves. Parts of the black rat had been discovered in at least two packages. The bread was produced in a factory in Tokyo, the production line of which has now also been stopped.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers, business partners and all parties involved,” Pasco said. The company did not say how the rat remains ended up in its products, but promised they would “do our utmost to strengthen our quality controls to ensure this never happens again.”
The company has also posted a form on its website that allows affected customers worldwide to request a refund.
Health crises due to food
Food recalls are rare in Japan, a country known for its high hygiene standards. However, there have been several food-related health crises recently. For example, earlier this month hundreds of students became ill after drinking milk supplied to schools.
Also in March, drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical voluntarily recalled dietary supplements intended to lower cholesterol levels. The company said it is investigating five deaths possibly linked to the products.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.
Yes, I want free unlimited access
