In the past week, Japanese health supplements produced by Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. have been recalled due to serious health risks. As of Friday, five people have died and over 100 people have been hospitalized after taking the company’s products, including Benikoji Choleste Help, which contain a red mold known as benikoji.
The company faced criticism for not disclosing the internal problems earlier, as they were aware of issues as early as January but did not make a public announcement until March 22. Many people who consumed the supplements experienced kidney problems, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
President Akihiro Kobayashi issued a public apology on behalf of the company, expressing deep remorse for the deaths and illnesses caused by their products. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has recalled all affected products, including food items that contain benikoji for coloring.
Japan’s health ministry has issued warnings about the recalled products, as some may have been purchased before the recall and pose health risks. The company had been selling benikoji products for years, but the issues arose with the supplements produced in 2023. Some analysts attribute the problems to recent deregulation initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth.