The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) has announced that they have not issued a circulation license for Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company’s red yeast rice product, which has been linked to 5 deaths in Japan. Recent media reports about the company recalling several products that have caused deaths and hospitalizations have raised concerns. In light of these concerns, the Department stated that they have not issued a certificate of registration for product declaration or compliance with food safety regulations for several products from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company.
The products in question include Beni-koji choleste-help, Naishi-help plus cholesterol, Natto-kinase sarasara-tsubu gold, and Kobayashi Naishi Help 30. These products were recalled by the company at the end of March after reports of hospitalizations linked to their use. The Department of Food Safety has warned consumers not to purchase or use these products and to report any sightings of them in the market to the authorities for appropriate action under the law.
On April 1, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported that the number of people hospitalized after using supplements from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company had increased to 157 by the end of March, with 5 deaths recorded. The discovery of puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from green mold, in the production of beni-koji has raised concerns about toxicity. Japanese officials are still investigating the situation and have not reached a final conclusion.
The incident involving Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Company and their recalled products has highlighted the importance of food safety regulations and the need for consumers to be cautious when purchasing dietary supplements. It serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with unregulated products and the importance of government oversight in ensuring
