Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Investigates Death Linked to Recalled Health Supplements

The Osaka-based drugmaker is examining a potential connection between one death and its beni koji supplements, following reports of kidney dysfunction and hospitalizations.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has initiated an investigation into a death potentially linked to its recalled health supplements, amid reports of kidney dysfunction.
26 individuals have been hospitalized after consuming the company's beni koji supplements, which are designed to lower bad cholesterol.
The supplements, recalled last week, contain beni koji, a yeast-fermented rice, found to possibly include unintended harmful ingredients.
Kobayashi has supplied beni koji to approximately 50 firms globally, raising concerns about the wider impact.
The company has not detected citrinin, a toxic metabolite, in the products but is recalling them as a precautionary measure.