Japan's FamilyMart convenience chain apologises for rats in store

Two rats appear on the side of a refrigerated cabinet in a Family Mart storeImage copyright
@Ginkai19990324

A Japanese convenience store chain has apologised after a video of rats scampering around one of its branches emerged.

FamilyMart said it had shut a store and was sorry if the “unsanitary” footage had made customers feel “uneasy”.

A video circulated on social media on Monday appears to show as many as six rodents scurrying through a store, near sushi displays and down aisles.

Broadcaster NHK said the clip had been viewed more than five million times.

The footage shows several rats racing down the side of a refrigerated cabinet storing fresh food like sushi and rice boxes, while another rodent rushes under shelves holding packaged items.

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The BBC could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

In a statement, FamilyMart said it had closed a store in the busy Shibuya district on 5 August as it investigated the cause.

“[we] apologise deeply for making you feel uncomfortable and uneasy,” a translation of the Japanese statement said.

The company said it would disinfect the site, as well as remove and dispose of any tainted products.

Image copyright
@Ginkai19990324

“We will proceed with measures such as disinfection… and will consider the possibility of resuming operations [after considering the]…environment of the store.”

FamilyMart is a popular convenience store chain in Japan, and also has outlets across Asia.

source: bbc.com