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Japan Faces Health Scare as Deaths Linked to Dietary Supplements Rise

Four fatalities and numerous hospitalizations prompt nationwide recalls and government investigation.

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Sake. Japanese brands that used the red yeast rice provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in their products have also separately announced recalls, including a rose-coloured sparkling sake, salad dressing and bread. Photo: Shutterstock
A person heads to the venue of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co.'s annual shareholders' meeting in the western Japan city of Osaka on March 28, 2024. The company said it has confirmed two more deaths linked to the consumption of its red yeast rice dietary supplements which had already been implicated in two other deaths from kidney-related conditions and over 100 hospitalizations. (Kyodo via AP Images) ==Kyodo

Overview

  • Four deaths and over 100 hospitalizations in Japan linked to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's red yeast rice supplements.
  • Recalls issued for a wide range of products containing 'beni koji', including health supplements, sake, and food items.
  • Japanese government and health ministry investigating, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promising to take necessary measures.
  • Kobayashi Pharmaceutical supplied red yeast rice to around 50 firms in Japan and two in Taiwan, raising international concerns.
  • No specific cause identified yet, but the presence of an unintended ingredient and the potential for organ damage are under scrutiny.