Red Yeast Rice Supplements Linked to 76 More Deaths; Japanese Company Under Investigation

Kobayashi Corporation is currently under investigation for an additional 76 deaths that have been linked to its red yeast rice supplements. Initially, the company had reported that 5 people had died after using their product, which is sold under the trade name “beni-koji cholesterol help.” However, further investigation revealed that only 4 of these deaths were directly related to the supplement.

One individual did not consume the product at all, and all of the deceased were between the ages of 40 and 69, with a higher percentage being women. The Ministry of Health has taken note of these incidents and is continuing its investigation. Families of the affected individuals have been in contact with the company and will be working alongside the ministry for further analysis.

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, Keizo Takemi, has criticized Kobayashi Corporation for their delayed reporting of the incident. In response, the ministry will take over the investigation. According to Kobayashi Corporation, the deaths may have been caused by chemicals produced during the processing of red yeast rice, specifically puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from blue mold found in the ingredients used. The company has received a significant number of inquiries, with over 22,000 questions being sent to them.

In response to these concerns, a government hotline has been set up to address queries related to this issue. More than 1,500 calls have been received so far. The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Health has clarified that the products in question have not been licensed for circulation in Vietnam and advises against purchasing them through social networks or carrying them by hand. Overall, it’s essential that consumers are aware that products containing red yeast rice supplements may have potential risks associated with them and should only purchase from reputable sources or seek medical advice before taking any supplements.

The ministry is urging members of society who come across these products in marketplaces to notify authorities immediately so that appropriate legal actions can be taken against those responsible for their production and distribution.

In conclusion, Kobayashi Corporation’s red yeast rice supplements have resulted in an alarming number of deaths due to impaired kidney function caused by chemicals produced during processing. The ministry is taking steps to ensure that consumers are aware of potential risks associated with these supplements and encouraging them to report any suspicions they may have about illegal products circulating in Vietnam’s marketplaces.