Five people in Japan are believed to have died after taking cholesterol-lowering supplements.
More than 100 people have also been admitted to hospital complaining of kidney problems since taking the pills containing red yeast rice or ‘beni kōji’.
Authorities have issued an urgent alert recalling three over-the-counter supplements manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical.
The health giant admitted it was aware of issues surrounding the products, which are not sold in the UK, as far back as January.
However, the first public announcement did not come until March 22.
More than 100 people have also been admitted to hospital complaining of kidney problems since taking the pills containing red yeast rice or ‘beni kōji’. Authorities have issued an urgent alert recalling three over-the-counter supplements manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. In the photo, one of the three products recalled from the market ‘Beni Koji Choleste Help’
The health giant admitted it was aware of issues surrounding the products, which are not sold in the UK, as far back as January. However, the first public announcement did not come until March 22. In the photo, Akihiro Kobayashi, president of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, arrives at a press conference in Osaka today.
Beni kōji is rice fermented with monascus purpureus, a type of reddish-purple mold.
While it is advertised as a healthy supplement for high cholesterol and blood pressure, it is also widely used as a traditional colorant for food products.
The three recalled products include ‘Beni Koji Choleste Help’, ‘NaishiHelp Plus Cholesterol’ and ‘Natto-kinase Sarasara Tsubu GOLD’.
The Osaka-based drugmaker admitted this week that it had supplied red yeast rice to about 50 other companies in Japan and two in Taiwan.
Among the five deaths, one had allegedly purchased ‘beni-koji’ for almost three years and died of kidney disease. Another had also recently used ‘Help cholesterol’.
Affected clients had also reported symptoms such as changes in urine color, swelling of extremities, and fatigue.
“We are in the process of confirming the facts and causal relationships in both cases,” Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said.
“However, we decided to make this report public from the point of view of rapid dissemination.”
Japanese companies that used beni koji provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have now also announced separate recalls.
The Osaka-based drugmaker admitted this week that it had supplied red yeast rice to about 50 other companies in Japan and two in Taiwan. Pictured, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical President Akihiro Kobayashi (second left) and officials bow during a press conference today in Osaka.
Among the five deaths, one had allegedly purchased ‘beni-koji’ for almost three years and died of kidney disease. Another had also recently used ‘Coleste Help’. Affected clients had also reported symptoms such as changes in urine color, swelling of extremities, and fatigue. In the photo, a pharmaceutical factory in Kobayashi.
Affected products include health pills, pink sparkling sake, salad dressings, bread and miso paste used in many traditional dishes.
However, authorities warned that supplements that were available in pharmacies without a prescription could have been purchased by tourists who may not have been aware of the health risks.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the government was investigating the deaths and the alleged link to beni koji, adding that it was prepared to act.
“If necessary, we must consider all possible measures,” he said.
In Taiwan, the Food and Drug Administration ordered distributors to suspend the import of more than 150 products containing beni koji, including those made by Kobayashi.
And in Singapore, authorities recalled a sparkling sake, a type of rice wine, made by Kyoto-based Takara Shuzo, which uses beni koji in its production.
The drugmaker also urged Chinese customers to return products.
High cholesterol occurs when people have too much fatty substance in their blood and is mainly due to poor diet combined with lack of exercise.
Having high cholesterol contributes to more than 7 per cent of all deaths in England alone and affects up to 60 per cent of all adults.
Doctors first ask people with high cholesterol to make lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and exercising, to lower their levels.
However, if these measures do not achieve results, patients may be prescribed statins to help control cholesterol.