In a significant food poisoning outbreak in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, a bento manufacturing company called Ichiei Kyushoku was confirmed responsible for symptoms reported by 342 of the 758 individuals who consumed its meals prepared between January 26-28. The affected individuals exhibited various symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, prompting a thorough investigation by local health officials. Although some samples tested positive for norovirus, the city reported that all affected individuals had recovered by the time of the news release.

Initially, the outbreak was reported on January 31 with only 32 symptomatic individuals, but as investigations continued, the total number skyrocketed to 342, encompassing a broad age range from one to 99 years old, with 12 of those affected requiring hospitalization. Health officials described this incident as unprecedented in scale within the last decade, highlighting the serious public health implications associated with the delivery of contaminated food.

In response to the outbreak, Ichiei Kyushoku faced severe repercussions, leading to a prohibition on business operations, and the company officially went out of business on February 27. The implicated bento was exclusively delivered to welfare facilities, and there were no other common food sources identified among the symptomatic individuals, solidifying the conclusion of a food poisoning case linked directly to the company's products.