A water-absorbent sheet was mistakenly mixed into a tempura dish at Hama Sushi in Nakatsu City, causing customer concern. Read about the incident and its impact on food safety standards.
Introduction: Hama Sushi Faces Contamination Incident: What Went Wrong?
On April 18, 2025, a shocking incident at Hama Sushi, a well-known conveyor belt sushi chain, made headlines. A male customer at the Nakatsu City location reported feeling something unusual in his mouth while enjoying a “Tuna and Shiso Leaf Sandwich Fried” dish. To his surprise, the dish contained a water-absorbent sheet — a food preparation tool that should never have made it into the deep fryer.
This unfortunate mistake raises critical questions about food safety practices and restaurant hygiene. In this article, we’ll dive into what happened, how it was handled, and the important lessons for both consumers and restaurant owners.
The Incident: A Water-Absorbent Sheet Found in Tempura
What Happened at Hama Sushi?
The incident took place during Hama Sushi’s pre-opening period at the Nakatsu City location. The customer, after taking a bite of the “Tuna and Shiso Leaf Sandwich Fried,” immediately felt something strange in his mouth. Upon inspecting the dish, he found a deep-fried water-absorbent sheet — a tool often used during fish preparation.
The sheet, measuring 19 cm by 7.5 cm, is typically used to maintain fish freshness. However, this time, it somehow ended up in the dish. When the customer alerted the store staff, they apologized on the spot, but the damage to the restaurant’s reputation was already done.
What Did Hama Sushi Do Next?
Hama Sushi responded quickly to the incident, apologizing to the customer and assuring that they were investigating the cause of the contamination. The company confirmed that, had the dish been prepared according to their standard manual, the contamination would not have occurred. They also contacted the local health center to ensure that proper food safety measures were being followed.
Food Safety in the Restaurant Industry: What Went Wrong?
The Importance of Proper Training and Adherence to Safety Standards
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how easily things can go wrong in food preparation if safety protocols are not strictly followed. While water-absorbent sheets are a standard tool in fish preparation, they must never be allowed to make it into a cooked dish. This mishap highlights the importance of:
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how easily things can go wrong in food preparation if safety protocols are not strictly followed. While water-absorbent sheets are a standard tool in fish preparation, they must never be allowed to make it into a cooked dish. This mishap highlights the importance of:
Proper Training: All staff should be thoroughly trained on food safety procedures and the proper handling of food preparation materials.
Regular Audits: Restaurants must conduct regular checks to ensure that their equipment and ingredients are being used correctly.
Clear Operational Guidelines: All staff should be familiar with the restaurant’s operational manual, which should include strict procedures for cooking, plating, and serving.
Consumer Impact: Trust and Safety Concerns
While Hama Sushi acted quickly to resolve the situation, incidents like this can erode consumer trust. Customers expect their food to be safe and prepared according to strict hygiene standards. A single mishap can lead to negative reviews, decreased customer loyalty, and potentially more significant health risks.
How This Affects Hama Sushi’s Reputation
Public Apology and Damage Control
Hama Sushi issued a public apology, acknowledging the mistake and assuring customers that steps would be taken to prevent future occurrences. The company emphasized that this type of contamination should never have happened and expressed regret for causing discomfort to the customer.
However, despite the apology, it’s clear that this incident has affected the restaurant’s reputation. Online discussions and social media reactions have been mixed, with some users expressing concern over food safety, while others are sympathetic to the restaurant’s efforts to handle the situation.
Can Hama Sushi Recover from This Incident?
It will take time for Hama Sushi to fully recover from the negative publicity surrounding this incident. The company will need to:
Restore Customer Trust: By reinforcing their commitment to food safety and offering compensation where necessary.
Improve Safety Protocols: By re-evaluating their procedures and implementing stricter quality controls to prevent similar mistakes.
Engage with the Public: Actively communicating with customers on social media and through other channels about the steps they’re taking to ensure safety.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The Hama Sushi water-absorbent sheet incident serves as an important lesson for both restaurant owners and customers. It underscores the need for strict adherence to food safety protocols and transparent communication when mistakes occur. For consumers, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant and report any issues promptly, ensuring that businesses are held accountable.
While the incident has raised concerns about food safety, it’s also an opportunity for Hama Sushi to show how quickly they can respond, learn from their mistakes, and prioritize their customers’ well-being moving forward.
Call to Action:
Was this incident a wake-up call for you on food safety practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tell us about any similar experiences you’ve had. For more updates on trending news, follow our blog for regular updates.
