Dietary supplement claims 4 lives!

According to a statement from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. in Japan, 2 more people who consumed "beni-koji" containing red yeast rice have passed away.

It was reported that the deceased "showed symptoms of kidney disease," and it was stated that one had been using these products since 2021, and the other since 2022.

Thus, the number of deaths linked to the dietary supplement "beni-koji" has risen to 4 so far.

It was announced that examinations are ongoing to "determine the causes of death" for those who lost their lives.

The company had previously announced that more than 100 people who consumed "beni-koji" had been hospitalized.

CALL TO THE COMPANY FROM THE GOVERNMENT

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated in his announcement that they are working to ensure food safety, "including the identification of the substance causing the health risk" in the product.

Calling on the company to "respond quickly and seriously" during this process, Hayashi said, "We will make efforts to restore trust in Japanese food products."

According to the official Kyodo news agency, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) suspects that a toxic substance is present in products in the "beni-koji" category.

It was announced that a research committee consisting of experts in medicine, nutrition, and pharmacology will be established within the ministry to contribute to the process.

It was reported that the ministry is preparing to launch an investigation into the company, which is headquartered in the southern metropolis of Osaka.

It was stated that the company produced 18.5 tons of "beni-koji" ingredients in 2023 and sold 16.1 tons of it to more than 50 companies.

Founded in 1919, the Japanese pharmaceutical company Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. is known for selling a wide range of over-the-counter health, hygiene, and dietary supplement products.