In response to the tragic deaths possibly linked to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s dietary supplements, Japan government has conducted a raid on the pharmaceutical factory located in Osaka.
Japanese health officials have taken decisive action, following reports of five fatalities and numerous illnesses associated with the company’s cholesterol-lowering supplements containing red yeast rice.
The Ministry of Health’s investigations, in collaboration with government agencies, are currently into the root cause of these health issues which include cases of kidney failure.
Despite previous reports of health problems emerging in 2023, the exact cause behind the illnesses remains unclear. “Beni koji,” the ingredient containing Monascus purpureus, has been used in various products for years, including as a red coloring agent in some foods.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical issued a recall of the supplements on March 22, acknowledging the delay in response following official medical reports. Akihiro Kobayashi, the company’s president, issued an apology for the delayed action.
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Notably, these supplements were available for purchase without a prescription at pharmacies, with approximately one million packages sold over the past three fiscal years.
Additionally, the company supplied “beni koji” to other manufacturers and exported products to countries such as China and Taiwan.
In light of these events, the government has initiated a review of the approval system for health products, with a comprehensive report expected in May.
Meanwhile, a Chinese consumers association has urged consumers to cease usage of Kobayashi products, expressing concerns over potential risks associated with them.
