"Japanese Health Supplement Recall: 5 Deaths and 100+ Hospitalizations"

Five people have died and over 100 have been hospitalized after taking a Japanese health supplement containing an ingredient called benikoji, a red species of mold. The pharmaceutical company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., faced criticism for not disclosing internal problems earlier and has issued a recall for the products. The company's president apologized for the situation and expressed remorse to the affected individuals and their families. Japan's health ministry has warned that the number of deaths could increase, and the recalled products include various items containing benikoji. The incident has raised concerns about the deregulation initiatives that simplified approval for health products in Japan.