Kobayashi Pharmaceutical

History

2024:76 people died after taking dietary supplements of Japanese Kobayashi

health care Japan On June 28, 2024, the Ministry announced an investigation into the deaths of 76 people who used dietary supplements produced by the pharmaceutical company Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. We are talking about products with red fermented rice in a composition that helps reduce cholesterol levels.

The initiated investigation adds to a scandal that erupted earlier in 2024, when Kobayashi said it was looking into reports of five deaths potentially linked to over-the-counter dietary supplements. The number of people admitted to hospitals after taking Kobayashi supplements with red fermented rice (red koji rice) exceeds 230 by mid-2024. And in total, because of these products, about 1.7 thousand patients with various complaints turned to medical institutions. In particular, dozens of consumers reported kidney problems.

Bloomberg

We have received 1,656 referrals from persons who required medical attention and are investigating 76 deaths, Kobayashi said in a statement.

It is noted that koji rice, which acquires red color as a result of cultivation of Monascus purpureus mold on it, is traditionally used in the production of several types of Chinese huangju (shaoxing jiu) and Japanese sake (akaisake), giving these drinks a reddish hue. In addition, such rice is used in cooking and traditional Chinese medicine. Koji enzymes are also used in Japan and several other Asian countries in the manufacture of fermented products such as soy sauce, rice vinegar and miso paste.

With dozens of deaths, sales of Kobayashi supplements have been completely discontinued. A number of Japanese companies using red yeast rice in their products also announced the recall of goods.^[1]

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