Yoshidaya sues rice subcontractor for damages over food poisoning outbreak

"Yoshidaya" is suing a subcontractor for over 670 million yen in damages related to a food poisoning outbreak two years ago. The lawsuit stems from a food poisoning incident caused by bento boxes manufactured by Yoshidaya, which sickened 554 people nationwide. The outbreak was linked to rice, outsourced to Daiwa Foods, that was delivered at a temperature higher than specified, potentially allowing bacteria to multiply. Yoshidaya claims the subcontractor should cover about 70% of the approximately 958 million yen in damages it has already paid to victims. The defendant's lawyer stated they will consult with relevant parties.