Officials from Duskin Co, a cleaning-equipment rentals company that operates the fastfood chain Mister Donut in Japan, admitted yesterday [Monday] that they had overseen the sale of more than 13 million meat dumplings treated with a banned antioxidant.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Further more, they revealed that the US parent company was involved in a ¥60m (US$0.47m) bid to cover up the scandal, by paying off a business client aware of the treatment.


Suita, Osaka Prefecture-based Duskin sold the dumplings in 2000 knowing that they contained the chemical t-butyl hydroquinone, in violation of Japan’s Food Sanitation Law.


Takeshi Ueda, president of Duskin, issued a public apology at hurriedly arranged news conference late last night: “We have damaged the trust of our customers”.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now