The China Consumers Association has issued a caution to Chinese consumers, advising them to cease the use of Japanese supplements containing red yeast rice, also known as beni-koji. This warning comes in the wake of a significant health scandal in Japan linked to these supplements.
While these products are not officially imported for local sales in China, they have been accessible through cross-border e-commerce platforms and overseas stores, allowing Chinese consumers to purchase them despite the lack of local distribution.
Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese company behind the supplements, recently revealed that their products have been associated with several deaths and over 100 hospitalizations. In response, the company announced a voluntary recall of its three beni-koji-containing products last Friday.
The association urged customers to stop taking the supplements immediately and to reach out to the company's customer service in China for assistance. Those who have purchased the products via import e-commerce platforms are eligible to apply for returns and refunds.
Further complicating the issue, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical faced criticism for delaying the public announcement of these health risks. Internal reports of the problems emerged as early as January, but the first official statement was not made until March 22, according to reports from AP.
Japanese physician Eiji Kusumi commented on the situation, suggesting that economic interests may have influenced the company's decision to withhold information. He emphasized the importance of timely disclosures to prevent further health issues and maintain public trust.
Kusumi also highlighted the potential for consumer confusion surrounding the labeling of these supplements as \"functional food.\" Unlike approved medications, functional foods do not require official health authority certifications, which may mislead consumers into believing the products are vetted for safety and efficacy.
He noted that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical claimed the red yeast rice extract could help lower cholesterol levels, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. From a medical perspective, Kusumi considers these assertions inappropriate and potentially harmful.
Rebuilding trust in Kobayashi Pharmaceutical and the broader health food industry will be a challenging endeavor, especially following such a high-profile scandal.
Reference(s):
Chinese association warns of health risks from Japanese supplements
cgtn.com
