A recent health scandal in Japan has captured global attention as the number of people hospitalized after consuming Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s red yeast rice dietary supplements continues to rise.
As of April 4, five fatalities and 196 hospitalizations have been reported due to these supplements, according to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical attributed these incidents to symptoms typically associated with kidney diseases. The situation has prompted other companies to recall products containing red yeast rice ingredients sourced from Kobayashi.
Global Reach and Impact
Kobayashi’s supplements have been particularly popular among Chinese consumers, with net sales reaching 10.5 billion yen (approximately $69 million) in 2023. The United States and Chinese mainland represent over 65 percent of the company's international sales this year.
Expert Insights
Amy Cadwallader, director for regulatory and public policy development at US Pharmacopeia (USP), advised consumers to be cautious of product claims that seem too promising, especially when purchasing supplements. \"Consumers should be skeptical when a claim on a label sounds too good to be true,\" Cadwallader told CBS News while analyzing the scandal.
Consumer Reactions and Warnings
In response to the scandal, the China Consumers Association has urged Chinese citizens to cease using Japanese supplements containing red yeast rice. While these products are not officially sold in China, they are accessible through cross-border platforms and overseas stores.
On Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, some users expressed regret over prior purchases and vowed not to buy these supplements again, despite no official reports of problems at the time.
Public Concern in Japan
The scandal has significantly shaken public confidence in such products among Japanese consumers. \"I'm worried because it's a company I trusted,\" a resident shared with China Media Group (CMG). \"I hope we can find out what's going on soon.\"
Reference(s):
Will supplements scandal dent confidence in 'Made in Japan'?
cgtn.com
