Japan’s fast-food chain Sukiya has announced the temporary closure of nearly 2,000 stores across the country due to rat and bug contamination.
Sukiya is the “country’s largest chain” and serves gyudon, or beef bowls, CNN reported.
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The decision comes after two incidents of contamination involving a rodent found in miso soup and a bug in another meal.
The stores are closed from 31 March to 4 April to implement preventive measures against further infestations.
Owned by Zensho Holdings, Sukiya faced a significant backlash after images of a rat in a bowl of miso soup from one of its stores went viral on social media.
Despite the incident occurring in January, the company only confirmed it last month.
Following the incident and the subsequent discovery of a bug in a meal at another store, Zensho’s shares dropped by 7%.
In a statement, Sukiya acknowledged the two incidents and detailed its decision to close all Japan-based locations, except a few situated in shopping centres.
Sukiya said: “We take very seriously the fact that this incident has occurred. We deeply apologise to our customers and related parties for the great inconvenience and concern caused.”
The incidents have raised concerns about food safety standards at the chain.
The chain operates a total of 1,965 stores in Japan as of the end of 2024, Reuters reported.
This number surpasses those of its competitors, Yoshinoya and Matsuya, which operate around 1,250 and 1,100 stores, respectively.
Sukiya also has a presence overseas with approximately 650 stores in China, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
