"Japanese Authorities Investigate Kobayashi Pharma Factory After Health Supplement-Linked Deaths"

Japanese authorities raided a factory producing health supplements linked to five deaths and over 100 hospitalizations, with the supplements containing "benikoji," a red mold. The company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., has apologized for the delayed recall and is cooperating with government health authorities in the investigation. The incident has prompted a review of the approval system for health products in Japan, following recent deregulation initiatives aimed at spurring economic growth.