Mizusako Chikusan former director arrested for beef mislabeling

A former director of Mizusako Chikusan, a livestock processing company based in Ibusuki, has been arrested on suspicion of violating the Food Labeling Act and committing fraud. Masaki Mizusako, 55, is accused of mislabeling beef from other prefectures as ‘Kagoshima Prefecture beef’ for products delivered as part of the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) gift program.

Police report that in September 2023, the suspect allegedly fulfilled orders for Kagoshima beef using meat from different regions. Additionally, he is suspected of defrauding a corporate client of approximately 1.45 million yen by delivering these mislabeled products in October 2023. Mizusako has denied the charges, stating, ‘I did not intend to mislabel them.’

The incident has raised concerns regarding the integrity of the Furusato Nozei system, which relies on the authenticity of regional specialties to maintain public trust. Authorities are continuing to investigate for further potential offenses.