Japanese dietary supplement manufacturer investigates five fatalities
Published on: March 31, 2024.
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Japanese Drugmaker Investigating Deaths Potentially Linked to Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements
A Japanese drugmaker, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, is currently investigating five deaths that may be linked to its dietary supplements designed to lower cholesterol. The company has also issued an apology for the anxiety and fear caused by this situation.
In response to reports of kidney problems from customers, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has recalled three brands of over-the-counter tablets. The investigation aims to determine if the products, which contain red yeast rice or “beni koji,” are responsible for the reported deaths and 114 hospitalizations.
While medical studies suggest that red yeast rice can effectively lower cholesterol, they also warn of potential organ damage depending on the specific chemical makeup of the ingredient.
The severity of this crisis has captured attention in Japan, leading Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to promise to explore all possible measures to prevent similar incidents if the deaths are indeed linked to the supplements.
During a news conference, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s president, Akihiro Kobayashi, expressed deep apologies for the anxiety and fear caused by this situation. He further pledged that the company would focus all its efforts on investigating the matter.
In addition to voluntarily recalling its own brands, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical supplies red yeast rice to approximately 50 other Japanese companies and two Taiwanese companies. Some of these companies have proactively recalled food products that contain the ingredient, such as rose-colored sake and salad dressing.
Source: [BRecorder](https://www.brecorder.com)
