Tokyo, Japan – Five individuals have tragically lost their lives, and over 100 others have been hospitalized over the past week after consuming Japanese health supplements that are now being recalled. The Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. faced criticism for delaying the public disclosure of internal issues dating back to January, despite the first official announcement not emerging until March 22.

According to company officials, 114 individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospitals after ingesting products such as Benikoji Choleste Help designed to lower cholesterol. These supplements contain an ingredient called benikoji, a red species of mold that has been linked to adverse health effects, including kidney problems.

President Akihiro Kobayashi expressed deep remorse for the harm caused to those affected by the tainted supplements, as well as their families. Additionally, he extended apologies for the disruption caused to the health food industry and medical profession. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. is actively working to contain further damage and enhance crisis management protocols.

In response to the recall, various products containing benikoji, including miso paste, crackers, and vinegar dressing, have also been removed from shelves. The Japanese health ministry has issued a list of all recalled items on its official website, some of which incorporate benikoji for food coloring.

The widespread availability of these supplements without the need for a prescription suggests that the potential for additional deaths remains a concern. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the supplements were purchased or distributed prior to the recall, raising the risk of exposure to unsuspecting individuals, including tourists.

With a history of selling benikoji products for years and over a million packages sold in the past three fiscal years, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. faced challenges with products manufactured in 2023. Analysts attribute these issues to recent deregulation efforts aimed at expediting the approval process for health products to stimulate economic growth.