A Dead Rat Floating in Doenjang Soup... Famous Japanese Gyudon Restaurant Apologizes After 2 Months

Rat Found in Sukiya's Miso Soup at Gyudon Chain
Customer's Photo and Review Shock Netizens
"Rat Entered During Ingredient Preparation... Measures to Prevent Recurrence"

Controversy erupted after a rat carcass was found in the miso soup at Japan's largest gyudon (Japanese beef bowl) chain, and the headquarters belatedly acknowledged the fact and apologized. On the 24th, NHK reported, "Gyudon chain Sukiya issued an apology on its website, stating that foreign substances were mixed in the miso soup served at a store in Tottori Prefecture last January." Sukiya is known as one of Japan's three major gyudon chains, along with Matsuya and Yoshinoya.

On January 21, a customer who visited a Sukiya store posted a photo showing a whole brownish rat in the miso soup, leaving a review saying, "I ordered the Tamakake breakfast, but a dead rat came out of the miso soup." The shocking photo horrified netizens, and some raised suspicions of artificial intelligence (AI) manipulation, pointing out that the review date was marked as "2028" and that the rat was large enough to be easily seen with the naked eye, arguing that the staff could not have missed it. However, no statement came from Sukiya, and the truth remained unclear.

Then, two months later, Sukiya headquarters officially acknowledged the contamination, confirming the review as true. Sukiya stated, "It is presumed that the rat entered during the process of dividing the miso soup ingredients into several bowls," and "It was confirmed that the staff did not properly check the bowls before serving the food to customers." Additionally, Sukiya temporarily closed the store after the incident and conducted hygiene training for the staff. The store is currently reported to have resumed operations.

Regarding the delayed announcement, Sukiya explained, "Initially, we refrained from disclosing information on the website and other platforms, which caused fragmented information to spread and made customers anxious." They also said, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused," and "We will strengthen the management system to prevent recurrence."