In 2000, milk products from Snow Brand caused mass food poisoning in the Kansai region, with 14,780 people affected. Pressed by reporters, president Ishikawa Tetsurō snapped: Sonna koto ittatte nē, watashi wa nete inai n da yo!! “Say what you like, I haven’t slept!”
He apologized at once. The exchange was broadcast widely and drew public condemnation. After the press conference, all Snow Brand Group products were pulled from sale for a time.