Japan's Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is under intense scrutiny following a series of health concerns linked to its red yeast rice supplements, known as \"beni-koji.\" On Sunday, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Wakayama prefectural government conducted on-site inspections at the company's factory in Wakayama Prefecture.
The inspections are part of an ongoing investigation into the root causes of the reported health issues. As of Friday, the red yeast rice dietary supplement, Beni-koji Choleste Help, has been associated with five deaths and over 100 hospitalizations. Additionally, nearly 700 individuals have sought medical advice or are planning to do so.
Beni-koji Choleste Help, advertised for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels, was manufactured at Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's Osaka factory until its shutdown in December 2023. After the closure, production of raw materials was relocated to the Wakayama factory in Kinokawa City.
This inspection marks the second consecutive day of investigations by the MHLW, following their visit to the Osaka factory on Saturday. The health ministry and the company have identified an unintended component, \"puberulic acid,\" derived from blue mold, in the product. While puberulic acid is a potent antibacterial and antimalarial agent, its toxicity and potential to cause kidney damage remain unclear.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical launched Choleste Help in February 2021 and sold approximately 1 million packages by the end of February this year. The company's delayed response to health damage reports—taking about two months to announce voluntary recalls—has drawn significant criticism.
As a result, the voluntary recall of products containing beni-koji has expanded nationwide, affecting a wide range of items including sake, confectionery, bread, and miso. It was also revealed that the company had supplied the red yeast rice to 52 manufacturers.
Reference(s):
Japan inspects another Kobayashi Pharma factory amid health scare
cgtn.com
