Kirk here with pastry news. Chez Tani (formerly popular pastry shop near Ezuko) may resume business today (?) after falsifying expiration dates.
— start ChatGPT translation —- Title: Pastry Shop “Chez Tani” Falsified Expiration Dates—Sold Products Meant to Expire in 3 Months Over a Year Period in Kumamoto Date: 10/15 (Tuesday) 19:24 Source: RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting
Kumamoto Broadcasting has revealed that the pastry shop “Chez Tani” in Kumamoto City sold leftover products after falsifying their expiration dates.
[See Photo]: “Notice of Apology and Temporary Closure” posted in stores, with a written apology also posted on their website.
According to Chez Tani, they had a large amount of unsold chocolate confections, “Amande Chocolat,” from Valentine’s Day last year (2023). They replaced the expiration date labels and continued selling these products at seven of their stores for about a year.
The original expiration date was set for February 28, 2023, three months after the products were made.
Typically, the store sets expiration dates for all products based on inspections by a third-party organization. However, in the case of the “Amande Chocolat,” because it was a limited-time item, they extended the expiration date using a similar product as a reference.
In September this year (2024), a former employee reported the issue to the Kumamoto City Public Health Center, leading to the discovery. The Public Health Center has been investigating since September 18, visiting the store as part of their inquiry.
Store’s Response: While expiration dates do not necessarily mean that a product becomes unsafe to eat immediately after the date passes, such falsification could violate food labeling laws.
No health issues have been reported thus far. However, the store does not know how many items were sold with incorrect labels, and the store’s representative commented, “We do not know who instructed the replacement of the labels or when.”
As of October 15, the store had received several dozen refund inquiries.
On October 15, Chez Tani posted an apology on their website. The store’s representative stated, “It was not an intentional falsification, but if it’s considered falsification, then it might be. We will work to prevent misunderstandings in the future.”
About “Chez Tani” Founded in 1991 & Future Business Plans: Founded in 1991 in Kumamoto City, Chez Tani is popular for products like Baumkuchen and cakes. The business now operates eight stores in Kumamoto, Oita, and Chiba Prefectures, as well as an online shop. The company employs around 50 people.
Some of Chez Tani’s stores have been temporarily closed since October 13. After the Public Health Center’s investigation, they plan to resume operations as early as October 17. — end translation —
