Japanese authorities raided a drug factory in Osaka after a health supplement, Benikoji Choleste Help, was linked to at least five deaths and 114 hospitalizations. The supplement, containing benikoji, a type of red mold, is said to lower cholesterol levels. The company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., has recalled the pills and is cooperating with the government's investigation into the illnesses, which include kidney failure. Japan's Health Ministry has warned that the number of affected individuals could increase.
Five people have died and over 100 have been hospitalized after taking Japanese health supplements containing an ingredient called benikoji, prompting a recall by Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. The company faced criticism for not disclosing internal problems earlier, and the supplements, including Benikoji Choleste Help, have been linked to kidney problems. The health ministry warned that the number of deaths could rise, and the recall extends to various products containing benikoji. Analysts attribute the issue to recent deregulation initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth.
A health supplement containing mold has been recalled in Japan after causing two deaths and over 100 hospitalizations. The product, produced by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., was marketed to lower cholesterol and contained an ingredient called "benikoji," a red species of mold. More than 40 other products from different companies containing benikoji have also been recalled. The government has issued a warning to stop ingesting anything with benikoji, and the company is investigating the cause of the issue.
A Japanese health supplement containing an ingredient called "benikoji" has been recalled after causing two deaths and sickening over 100 people. The products, including those from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., were marketed to lower cholesterol and were available without a prescription. The government health ministry has ordered the removal of these products from store shelves and warned of potential additional victims, urging people to stop ingesting anything with benikoji. The company is investigating the cause of the issue and has issued an apology, while the ministry has listed all recalled products on its official site.
