Health authorities in Japan are conducting investigations into the possible link between dietary supplements from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical and five reported deaths. The company’s products, marketed to lower cholesterol levels, are under scrutiny after the discovery of potentially toxic puberulic acid in their red yeast materials.
The inspections at two separate factories in Osaka and Wakayama prefecture come after 114 people were hospitalized and five died from taking the supplements. While the cause of the deaths has not been confirmed, officials suspect that the Beni-Koji materials may be responsible.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has been cooperating with the investigation and has initiated a product recall after reports of kidney ailments linked to their supplements. The company’s investor relations head, Yuko Tomiyama, expressed their commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
The Japanese government has criticized Kobayashi for the delay in announcing the health impacts of their products, which are also consumed in other countries. Reports of acute renal failure in Taiwan have prompted investigations into potential health risks associated with imported materials from the company.
With concerns spreading to other foodmakers and consumers, the situation is being closely monitored by health authorities in Japan and abroad. The impact of this investigation on the dietary supplement industry remains to be seen as the search for answers continues.