‘Rat remains’ found baked inside loaves of bread

Loaves of bread have been recalled in Japan over fears remains of a ‘small animal’ – believed to be a rat – were found baked inside.

Production was halted at the Tokyo factory, with 104,000 packages being recalled, according to company Pasco Shikishima.

At least two people who bought the bread in Gunma Prefuncture complained about finding a rodent.

The company said: ‘We will do our utmost to strengthen our quality controls so that this will never happen again.

‘We ask for your understanding and your cooperation.’

The bread had been sold in various areas, including Ibaraki, Niigata, Kanagawa, Fukushima, Aomori and Tokyo.

The company also sells rolls, bagels and muffins.

Japan has suffered a string of food safety woes, including 1,000 schoolchildren sickened by milk and two people who got sick after eating steak at a restaurant, both earlier this month.

Widespread food poisoning from a health supplement product broke out in March and killed five people.

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