On April 3, the Japanese Ministry of Health issued a warning to all beni-koji distribution companies urging them to monitor their customers for any health problems related to the product. This comes after 9 more people were hospitalized following the use of Kobayashi’s beni-koji red yeast rice, bringing the total number of affected patients to 166. The health status of these individuals is currently unknown.
The majority of previously hospitalized patients experienced symptoms such as irritability, loss of appetite, abnormal urine, and kidney disorders. In Taiwan, health authorities also reported 11 cases related to Kobayashi’s beni koji, with the possibility of widespread damage in the area.
Kobayashi launched “beni-koji choleste help” in February 2021 and sold about one million packs by the end of February this year. However, many users developed kidney disease later on. Recently, the company discovered puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from green mold, in their production process which was identified by the Japanese Ministry of Health as a substance that can cause toxicity in users.
The Food Safety Department advised that these products have not been approved for circulation in Vietnam and warned against purchasing them from social networks or by hand. If these products are found on the market, authorities should be notified for legal handling.
