Tokyo, Japan – A tragic incident involving Japanese health supplements has caused alarm as five individuals have lost their lives and over 100 others have been hospitalized. The Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. faced criticism for delaying the public announcement of issues with its products, despite being aware of them internally since January. The initial disclosure was made on March 22 after the situation had escalated.

Reports indicate that 114 people are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals after consuming products containing benikoji, a red mold species present in supplements like Benikoji Choleste Help, designed to lower cholesterol. The number of deaths had previously been reported as two, but tragically increased in the following days.

The exact cause of the kidney problems experienced by some individuals remains under investigation, in collaboration with government laboratories, as confirmed by the manufacturer. President Akihiro Kobayashi offered a heartfelt apology to the affected families, expressing deep regret for the loss and suffering caused, as well as acknowledging the impact on the health food industry and medical sector. The company is actively working to mitigate further harm and enhance crisis management protocols.

The recall of the company’s products, along with various others containing benikoji like miso paste, crackers, and vinegar dressing, has been initiated. The Japanese health ministry has released a comprehensive list of recalled items on its official website, including products employing benikoji as a food coloring agent. Concerns have been raised about the potential for additional deaths, especially among those who may have purchased the supplements without a doctor’s prescription.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s long-standing distribution of benikoji products came under scrutiny, with millions of packages sold in the past three fiscal years. The issue seems to have emerged in the supplements manufactured in 2023, despite the company’s extensive production of benikoji during that year. Some industry analysts attribute the incident to recent deregulation efforts intended to streamline approval processes for health products and stimulate economic growth.

In light of these unfortunate events, authorities are urging caution and vigilance among consumers, emphasizing the importance of product safety and regulatory compliance. As investigations continue and efforts to contain the situation persist, the repercussions of this health crisis are felt not only by the affected individuals and their families but also across the broader health and wellness industry.