Japan has issued a recall of over 40 dietary supplements containing beni-koji after five deaths were potentially linked to the consumption of this compound. The deaths were associated with the use of Kobayashi pharmaceutical company’s beni-koji red yeast rice functional food, which resulted in 115 hospitalizations.
Beni-koji is a substance derived from red rice brewed with Monascus purpureus fungus, traditionally used in food coloring and fermented beverages. It is rich in monacolin K, an ingredient known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. However, beni-koji fermentation can also produce citrinin, a toxic metabolite that can lead to kidney disease.
Citrinin poisoning symptoms include changes in urine color, limb swelling, fatigue, and impaired kidney function. While testing by Kobayashi did not reveal citrinin in their beni-koji products, an unknown substance was detected, raising concerns about the safety of the yeast rice product. As investigations continue into the cause of the deaths and hospitalizations in Japan, concerns about the safety of functional foods containing beni-koji persist. In addition to kidney issues, citrinin is associated with various health problems including oxidative stress, programmed cell death and potential cancer risks.
