Global Rice News

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Investigates Additional Deaths Possibly Linked to Red Yeast Rice Tablets

Japanese health supplement maker, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, is currently investigating 76 additional deaths that may be connected to its tablets containing red yeast rice, which are designed to lower cholesterol levels. This investigation further deepens a scandal that began earlier this year when the company started looking into five deaths that were potentially linked to their over-the-counter products after numerous customers reported kidney problems.

Red yeast rice, also known as “beni koji,” has been used in food, alcoholic drinks, and traditional medicines in East Asia for centuries. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical stated, “Even if the direct cause of hospitalization or death was not kidney-related disease, it has become clear that there are a variety of cases, including cases in which beni koji-related products may have caused harm somehow and had some indirect impact.”

Out of the original five deaths being investigated, the company has now confirmed that one person did not consume red yeast rice. In addition to the initial four deaths, the company disclosed that they have received 1,656 inquiries from individuals who sought medical attention and are currently investigating 76 more cases for a possible connection to the deaths.

On March 22, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical announced a recall of three types of tablets containing beni koji. They later revealed that they had detected a potentially toxic acid produced by the mold at one of their factories, prompting government officials to inspect their facilities.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is a well-known brand in Japan, offering a wide range of health-related products. The scandal surrounding the red yeast rice tablets has gained significant attention in the country. The company has committed to identifying the exact cause and extent of the health damage, including determining whether organs other than the kidneys were affected.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, the top government spokesman, expressed his disappointment that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had not provided specific details earlier regarding the number of cases under investigation. The health ministry had previously ordered the company to submit a daily report on their investigation and had asked for more information when the number of deaths being investigated did not change.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has also disclosed that they supplied red yeast rice to approximately 50 other companies in Japan and two in Taiwan. As a precautionary measure, Taiwanese companies recalled 154 products containing red yeast rice following the health scare earlier this year.

Source: https://www.nation.com.pk