On March 29, 2025, the popular beef bowl chain Sukiya announced a temporary closure of all its stores due to multiple reports of foreign matter contamination. This decision comes in light of a recent incident where a customer discovered a pest in a product at the Akishima Station South Store in Tokyo.
The closure will take effect from 9:00 AM on March 31, 2025, and will last until 9:00 AM on April 4, 2025. However, some locations, particularly those situated within shopping centers, will remain open during this period.
According to Sukiya, the alarming situation began when a customer who visited the Akishima Station South Store on March 28 reported finding a part of a cockroach in their takeout order. In response, the company promptly issued a refund and initiated a product recall. The affected store ceased operations later that day to address the issue.
This incident follows another troubling report from January 2025, when a moth was discovered in miso soup served at the Tottori Minami Yoshikata store. The company acknowledges that both incidents raise serious concerns about food safety and hygiene.
In a statement, Sukiya expressed deep regret, saying, "We are deeply remorseful that we have caused such a situation despite the fact that foreign matter contamination had occurred at another store in January 2025. We sincerely apologize for this situation." The chain has committed to implementing measures aimed at preventing pests from entering their establishments and ensuring the cleanliness of their food products.
The decision to close all approximately 1970 Sukiya locations nationwide reflects the company's commitment to addressing these hygiene issues comprehensively. Pest control measures, including the hiring of specialized extermination services, are scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025.
As Sukiya takes these steps, it is also drawing lessons from previous food safety crises in the fast-food industry. Notably, the company has looked to the successful recovery strategies employed by major chains like McDonald's, which faced similar challenges a decade ago.
Customers have expressed concern over the repeated incidents of contamination, with many taking to social media to voice their disappointment. The frequency of these issues has raised questions about the effectiveness of current food safety protocols within the company.
In light of these developments, Sukiya is under pressure to restore customer trust and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The company's proactive measures, including the temporary closure and implementation of pest control, are essential steps in rebuilding confidence among its clientele.
As the closure period approaches, Sukiya has reassured customers that it is taking the situation seriously. They have stated, "We are deeply remorseful for the great inconvenience and concern caused to our customers and stakeholders." The chain aims to rectify the situation swiftly and efficiently.
In conclusion, as Sukiya navigates this challenging period, it remains committed to enhancing its food safety measures and ensuring that customer health is prioritized above all else. The chain's response to these incidents will be closely monitored by both customers and industry observers alike, as they seek to restore their reputation in the competitive fast-food market.
