Japan's competition regulator has launched raids on six major ice cream manufacturers amid allegations of price-fixing. The Fair Trade Commission suspects the companies coordinated to maintain artificially high prices for frozen desserts. Investigators executed search warrants at company offices across the country. Price-fixing agreements violate antitrust laws designed to protect consumers and fair market competition.
If confirmed, the companies could face substantial penalties and damaged reputations. The investigation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen corporate compliance in Japan's food industry. Industry analysts are watching closely to see whether regulators will pursue criminal charges against executives involved in the alleged scheme.
Sources: nytimes.com / ft.com
The words in bold are from the article.
| 1. launched | a. accusations |
| 2. amid | b. experts |
| 3. allegations | c. anti-monopoly |
| 4. coordinated | d. legal permits |
| 5. artificially | e. following rules |
| 6. warrants | f. unnaturally |
| 7. antitrust | g. worked together |
| 8. substantial | h. significant |
| 9. compliance | i. during |
| 10. analysts | j. began |
1.j 2.i 3.a 4.g 5.f 6.d 7.c 8.h 9.e 10.b