Wine scandals, all over the world, have made major headlines. The world of Saké is not immune to scandal either. The Japan Times Online (6/2/09) has a new article, "Law urged to clarify what's in sake, 'shochu,' detailing a recent major scandal involving a major Saké brewery, Bishonen Shuzoh Co.
The brewery would sent out expensive rice to be polished but would receive a much cheaper rice back. The brewery would receive money to make up for the difference in price. So their Saké would not have the type of rice it was supposed to have. Customers would be paying for a lower qulity product. The brewery President eventally admitted to conducting this practice.
Japan has a liquor tax law which defines certain alcoholic beverages such as Saké and shochu but it does not dictate anything concerning quality. Japan should enact a new law to regulate quality, so consumers of Saké know exactly what they are getting when they buy a bottle.
For more information, check out the full article.
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