Police on Tuesday handed prosecutors their case against Prima Meat Packers Ltd. and three of its executives, who allegedly misrepresented a product's ingredients in violation of food safety laws.
According to police, Prima Meat, based in Tokyo, sold bacon-wrapped asparagus between April 2002 and last January without mentioning on the label that the product contained egg whites, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Police also said Prima Meat supplied Aeon Co., which runs the Jusco supermarket chain, with the product, made by two subcontractors, although the contract between Aeon and Prima Meat banned use of egg whites.
Police also turned over to prosecutors their case against the two subcontractors, Katsumi Shokusan and Yoshida Ham Kojo, both based in Shizuoka Prefecture, which manufactured the product for Prima Meat, and three of their executives.
One of the subcontractors asked Prima Meat about the labeling, but Prima Meat officials said it could be left as it was, an investigation determined.
Police took action after Aeon filed a criminal complaint against Prima Meat, the nation's third-biggest meat processor, in March. Investigators said they believe the mislabeling was in violation of the law for ensuring the safety of foodstuffs.
Prima Meat said it has received no complaints from consumers about allergic reactions.
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