McDonald's Japan halted sales of 10 beef products at all 91 of its outlets in Hokkaido after beef patties that may not have met quality standards were delivered to stores in the northern prefecture, Yomiuri Shimbun reported on October 1.

The suspension, which began on the evening of September 30 and runs until October 2, affects one of the fast-food chain's core product lines in a region where it operates nearly 100 restaurants. The company said it aims to resume sales on October 3 once replacement stock has been secured and supply arrangements restored.

The affected items include the Hamburger, the Bacon Lettuce Burger and the Big Mac, along with other menu items that use beef patties, according to the announcement. All other products remain on sale as normal at Hokkaido outlets.

No health problems have been reported in connection with the patties so far, the company said.

McDonald's Japan is investigating how the patties came to be delivered to its Hokkaido restaurants. The company apologised to customers and said it would work to ensure thorough quality control.

The chain said it is working to secure alternative inventory and put supply arrangements in place to allow the 10 suspended products to return to menus on October 3.