The headquarters of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is seen in the city of Osaka, Japan, March 29, 2024. Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical on Friday confirmed a fifth death related to its dietary supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji, produced by the company. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
TOKYO, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical on Friday confirmed a fifth death related to its dietary supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji, produced by the company.
The Osaka-based pharmaceutical giant has initiated recalls of several products, including its "beni-koji choleste help" supplement, a type of granules advertised with the effect of lowering cholesterol levels, after receiving reports of illness.
Beni-koji, linked to health issues, especially kidney damage, was manufactured at Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's Osaka factory. While the company suggested that unexpected mold-derived ingredients may have caused the problem, no specific cause has been identified. ■
President of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Akihiro Kobayashi (2nd L) speaks at a press conference in the city of Osaka, Japan, March 29, 2024. Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical on Friday confirmed a fifth death related to its dietary supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji, produced by the company. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
President of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Akihiro Kobayashi speaks at a press conference in the city of Osaka, Japan, March 29, 2024. Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical on Friday confirmed a fifth death related to its dietary supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji, produced by the company. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
President of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Akihiro Kobayashi attends a press conference in the city of Osaka, Japan, March 29, 2024. Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical on Friday confirmed a fifth death related to its dietary supplements with red yeast rice, or beni-koji, produced by the company. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
