Rat parts found in Japanese sliced white bread

A prominent brand of sliced white bread is undergoing a recall in Japan due to the inadvertent inclusion of rat parts in some loaves.

Pasco Shikishima Corp., a major food supplier, is recalling 104,000 packs of Pasco bread from 15 prefectures after discovering rat remains in a batch of super-fermented “chojuku” bread produced at a factory near Tokyo. The company has completed the recall of contaminated products but is also recalling other items from the same production line as a precautionary measure. The affected line will be temporarily suspended for investigation and enhanced countermeasures.

A company spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that the contamination originated from a “small black rat.” Pasco issued a formal apology for the inconvenience caused and emphasized that no reports of consumer illness have been received.

This recall adds to a series of food safety concerns in Japan, known for its stringent cleanliness standards. In March, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical faced a recall after dietary supplements linked to fatalities and hospitalizations. Additionally, Japan saw arrests related to “sushi terrorism,” involving unhygienic acts in conveyor belt restaurants.

Social media responses to the rat-part recall reflect mixed sentiments, with some expressing support for the brand while others express cautiousness about consuming Pasco products.