The Burger King at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was closed indefinitely on Oct. 21, 2024, due to "allegations of unsatisfactory health conditions." (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The wing commander at this airlift hub in western Tokyo closed an on-base Burger King on Monday following “allegations of unsatisfactory health conditions.”
“The closure was due to evidence of a rodent sighting within the facility’s food preparation area,” Master Sgt. Nathan Allen, spokesman for the 374th Airlift Wing, said in an email Tuesday.
Col. Richard McElhaney, head of the 374th Airlift Wing, ordered the restaurant closed until further notice based on a recommendation from public health specialists from the 374th Medical Group, according to a Monday post on Yokota’s official Facebook page.
“The safety of our community is a top priority and our Public Health experts take all necessary precautions to minimize health risks,” the message said.
A notice posted on the Burger King’s door indicates the restaurant may reopen by Friday.
Base authorities were aware of a rodent problem at the restaurant.
The Burger King at Yokota Air Base, Japan, was closed indefinitely on Oct. 21, 2024, due to "allegations of unsatisfactory health conditions." (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Local managers for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which holds the franchise, worked with the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron’s pest management and entomology teams “to address previous rodent sightings around the facility,” Allen wrote.
After further evaluation, the public health section recommended temporarily closing the restaurant Monday “out of an abundance of caution to safeguard the community,” he said.
Allen said AAFES and the wing “are mutually committed to restoring operations safely and expeditiously.”
Closing a Burger King on base could result in penalties, including loss of the license to operate it, depending on the nature and duration of the closure, Allen wrote.
“Additionally, the impact of the lost service to the community is an important factor in these considerations,” he said. “AAFES, along with the brand and local 374th Airlift Wing leadership will evaluate the best path forward to restore operations and community service while ensuring public health and safety.”
