A Sapporo-based confectionary company has joined the list of food manufacturers accused of unethical practices, by falsifying expiration dates on its main product and shipping other products contaminated with colon bacilli or staphylococci, both of which can cause food poisoning.
Ishiya Trading Co. has not only deepened consumer distrust of food manufacturers but also tarnished the wholesome image of food products from Hokkaido. Its responsibility is great because its main product, Shiroi Koibito (White Lover) chocolate cookies, is a representative souvenir of Hokkaido.
Unfortunately, major food manufacturing scandals in recent years have involved more than one Hokkaido-related company. In 2000, spoiled milk sold by Snow Brand Milk Products Co., which originated in Hokkaido, sickened about 14,000 people. In June 2007, Meat Hope Co. of Tomakomai, Hokkaido, was found to have mislabeled their meat products. In January, the Tokyo-based Fujiya Co. had been found to have used milk that had passed its expiration date to make cream puffs.