Over 100 people have been hospitalized and five have died after taking a Japanese health supplement made by Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. The company faced criticism for not notifying the public about internal issues known since January until March 22 when they issued a recall of their products. The supplements contained an ingredient called benikoji, a red species of mold, and were meant to lower cholesterol.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s president, Akihiro Kobayashi, has apologized to the families of those affected and expressed deep remorse for the situation. The company is working to prevent further damage and improve crisis management in response to the issue. In addition to their supplements, other products including miso paste, crackers, and a vinegar dressing have also been recalled due to containing benikoji.
The number of deaths could increase as Japan’s health ministry has issued a warning that more people may have purchased the supplements without being aware of the risks. The supplements were available without a prescription at drug stores and may have been purchased by tourists. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had been selling benikoji products for years, with over one million packages sold in the past three fiscal years alone.
Recent deregulation initiatives aimed at simplifying and accelerating the approval process for health products in Japan may have contributed to safety issues like those faced by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. Analysts are warning that this could lead to more similar problems in the future if proper safety measures are not put in place.
The recall came after complaints from customers who reported experiencing kidney problems after taking the supplements. According to sources close to the company, some customers even passed out while driving or experienced dizziness while walking.
As investigations continue into what led to this tragic incident, it is clear that something went wrong with Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s manufacturing process or quality control procedures. It remains unclear how long these internal issues went undetected before they were finally addressed.
The recent events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring that all health products sold in Japan are safe and effective before being released into the marketplace. Consumers need confidence that when they buy a product labeled “healthy,” they can trust that it will do what it says on the label.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for regulators to work closely with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that proper safety measures are put in place throughout every stage of product development and production.
It is hoped that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for both companies and regulators alike, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of everything we do in healthcare.
