Processed Foods
At ITOHAM YONEKYU HOLDINGS Group’s processed food plants, we comply with the Food Sanitation Act, the JAS Act, and other food-related regulations, maintaining a rigorous quality control system to deliver safe and reliable products to customers.
In addition, all ham and sausage plants across Japan have obtained external certifications and implement advanced hygiene management practices.
List of factories andExternal Evaluation by Independent Organizations
Initiatives on Raw Materials
We thoroughly check all raw materials to ensure safety. Meat used as raw material meets legal safety standards, and spices and other ingredients are verified through detailed review of specification certificates. Our quality control department also conducts microbiological testing to validate raw material safety. Upon receipt at the plant, we inspect packaging, labeling, temperature, and freshness before promptly transferring materials into the plant.
Initiatives in Manufacturing
１．Access Control
Before entering the production area, we check our clothing in a mirror to ensure no hair is exposed from the cap. Next, we use an adhesive roller on the entire body and proceed to the air shower room, where high-pressure air removes any remaining dust from the workwear. After thorough handwashing, we disinfect our hands with alcohol before finally entering the factory.
２．Raw Material Processing
To prevent foreign matter contamination, skilled staff carefully remove small bones from raw meat by hand and visual inspection. We then use metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems to eliminate any remaining foreign objects. At the same time, we strictly check meat color, freshness, and temperature.
３．Curing and Aging
Curing is carried out using salt and color fixatives to achieve multiple purposes: improving preservation, developing matured flavor, enhancing meat color, increasing water retention, and adding saltiness. Precise temperature control throughout the process is critical for producing high-quality ham and sausages. In particular, temperature management during curing and aging is strictly monitored, as it plays a key role in developing meat flavor.
４．Seasoning and Stuffing
After aging, we season the raw material with spices and other ingredients. Because this step determines the product’s distinctive flavor, all seasonings are strictly controlled. We also manage and segregate ingredients to prevent unintended allergens. During the filling process, we select natural casings such as sheep intestines and check the filled product for condition, shape, and weight.
５．Heating
The heating process is a critical step designed to make raw meat safe and enjoyable to eat. We strictly control heating temperature, time, and cooling temperature. Smoking during heating adds the characteristic color and aroma to the product.
６．Packaging
To ensure products are safe and enjoyable, we package them in a highly controlled hygienic environment. During packaging, staff change into special dust-free garments and work in clean rooms with advanced hygiene controls. Here, we strictly check product shape and color, and only items that meet specifications are automatically weighed and packaged.
７．Foreign Object Inspection
To detect and remove any foreign matter before shipment, we inspect products using metal detectors and X-ray systems. Only items confirmed to be free of contaminants are shipped.
Initiatives in Inspection
To deliver safe and reliable products to our customers, we conduct a variety of inspections. Here are some examples.
Microbiological Testing
This inspection verifies microbiological safety by ensuring products are free from foodborne pathogens and have been properly heat-sterilized.
Food Allergen Testing
This test verifies that no undeclared food allergens such as eggs, milk, or wheat are present in the product. It ensures safety for customers with food allergies.
Sensory Testing
This is a sensory testing conducted to verify that the product meets the intended taste profile and delivers customer satisfaction.
Nutritional Analysis
This test verifies that the actual nutritional analysis values are within the acceptable range and match the information displayed on the product label.
Initiatives in Storage and Transportation
After packaging, products are quickly boxed and moved into refrigerated storage. They are then loaded onto refrigerated trucks and delivered nationwide while maintaining high freshness and quality.
External Partner Plants
Quality Management at External Partner Plants
ITOHAM YONEKYU HOLDINGS Group sources meat products as well as dairy, noodles, and dressings from partner plants in Japan and overseas to meet diverse customer needs. For these outsourced products, we apply the same strict quality standards as for in-house production, working closely with external partner plants to ensure safety and reliability.
The quality management division responsible for partner plant products checks compliance with internal standards, including product specifications, labeling, and manufacturing processes. We also conduct regular audits and inspections based on our quality management criteria. For overseas plants, we assign resident staff or dispatch supervisors to enforce quality control. In addition, the quality assurance division performs periodic checks to maintain consistent standards.
Logistics
Initiatives in Logistics
Storage and delivery operations play a vital role in preserving product quality and ensuring reliable delivery to customers. We manage these processes under our own standards, maintain proper temperatures, and deliver products that are fresh and delicious.
Storage Temperature Management
We measure product temperature at the time of storage entry to ensure it meets management standards. We also check storage temperatures regularly, confirm there are no abnormalities in refrigerators or freezers, and keep detailed records.
Delivery Vehicle Temperature Management
We continuously measure and record delivery vehicle temperatures to trace the cause if any product temperature or quality issue occurs.
Directly Operated Stores
ITOHAM YONEKYU Group operates more than 130 directly managed stores in major department stores, shopping centers, and station buildings across Japan. These stores offer premium fresh meat and deli items featuring our signature hams and sausages. We maintain strict hygiene standards to deliver safe, high-quality products that bring smiles to our customers’ tables.
Butcher Shops: “Niku no Takumi ITO” and “i-MEAT”
We offer branded beef and pork along with carefully selected domestic and international products. To ensure safety, we manage traceability of incoming products and labeling at the store level. Our quality control system covers every stage—from receiving and storage to kitchen operations and in-store sales—and each staff member is committed to maintaining these standards.
In addition to fresh meat, we provide ready-to-cook products and share cooking tips, new serving ideas, and meat-related information to help customers enjoy our products.
Ham and Sausage Delicatessen: “I’s Deli”
We sell ham, bacon, roast beef, dry-cured ham, and sausages to meet customer requests and use them to create a wide variety of salads and deli items. To ensure customers can enjoy our products safely, we follow strict safety practices. Staff comply with work manuals and enforce hygiene rules for kitchen personnel, utensils, and equipment, as well as temperature control in storage areas.
In addition, we offer ready-to-cook products and provide tips on proper storage and new ways to enjoy ham and sausages at home, catering to discerning customers.
Meat Delicatessen Shops: “ITO,” “i-DINING”, and “i-MEAT DINING”
We sell meat-based deli items such as hamburg steaks and chicken steaks, complemented by a wide variety of vegetables and sauces to enhance flavor. All dishes are prepared in the store kitchen and served directly from ovens and fryers, so customers can enjoy them freshly made.
We follow HACCP-compliant work manuals, measure and record cooking temperatures, and enforce strict hygiene and quality controls in the kitchen. Our goal is to deliver safe, delicious, and innovative products to our customers.