In 2023, reports began to surface of health problems related to a pink pill called Benikoji Choleste Help, which is designed to lower cholesterol levels and contains benikoji, a type of red mold. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., based in Osaka, Japan, has sold over a million packages of the pill in the past three fiscal years. The company recalled the pills on March 22 after receiving reports that they were causing health issues such as kidney failure.
The deaths and illnesses linked to the supplements have raised concerns about the safety of supplements containing benikoji. Health officials are working with Kobayashi Pharmaceutical to investigate the situation and determine the precise cause of the health issues. Japan’s Health Ministry has warned that more people could be affected by these supplements.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and monitoring of health supplements to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The government is taking steps to prevent further harm to consumers by investigating this situation and raising awareness about the potential risks associated with such products. The public is also becoming more aware of these risks and are taking precautions when purchasing any dietary supplements.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical President Akihiro Kobayashi issued an apology for not responding quickly enough to reports of adverse reactions caused by Benikoji Choleste Help. This incident highlights the need for companies producing dietary supplements to take responsibility for their products and conduct thorough testing before bringing them into the market.
Overall, this situation raises important questions about consumer safety in relation to dietary supplements and highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in this area. It also serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless products can have serious consequences if not properly regulated or tested before they are released into the market.
