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Sukiya Temporarily Shuts Nearly 2,000 Stores Over Food Contamination Incidents

Japan's largest gyudon chain closes for a four-day hygiene overhaul after rat and insect contamination cases spark public concern.

A cyclist rides past a branch of Japanese fast-food restaurant chain Sukiya, famous for its beef bowls, along a street in downtown Tokyo on March 30, 2025.
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Overview

  • Sukiya has closed almost all of its 2,000 Japanese outlets from March 31 to April 4, 2025, for enhanced pest control and hygiene measures.
  • The closure follows two confirmed contamination incidents: a rat found in miso soup in January and an insect discovered in food in March.
  • The company apologized publicly, refunded affected customers, and pledged stricter food safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
  • Despite the January rat incident going viral on social media, Sukiya only officially acknowledged it in late March, drawing criticism for its delayed response.
  • The incidents have led to reputational damage and financial repercussions, including a 7% drop in the stock value of parent company Zensho Holdings.