In Osaka, Japan, health officials from the government raided a factory belonging to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. on Saturday. The factory was found to be producing health supplements that were believed to have caused the deaths of five people and the hospitalization of over 100 others. The supplements in question all contained a red mold called “benikoji.”
One of the products, Benikoji Choleste Help, was marketed as a supplement to lower cholesterol levels. The supplements were sold in drug stores without a prescription and had been exported to other countries. Reports of health problems associated with the supplements began in 2023, although benikoji has been used in various products in the past.
Company president Akihiro Kobayashi apologized for the delay in taking action, as the recall came two months after the company had received official medical reports on the issue. The Japanese government has attributed the deaths and illnesses to the supplements and has warned that more people may be affected.
The recent deregulation initiatives that aimed to simplify the approval process for health products are being scrutinized as a potential cause for this incident. The government has ordered a review of the approval system, and a report is expected in May.
