On Saturday, Japanese health officials conducted a search at the Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory following reports of five deaths that may be linked to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice, according to an official.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, along with the City of Osaka, collaborated on the inspection of the factory in Osaka, which had been producing supplements containing “Beni-Koji” red yeast believed to be responsible for health issues.
Footage from the news showed officials entering the factory, while the official mentioned the possibility of searching other related premises in the future.
The company, based in Osaka, was not immediately available for comment when contacted for a response on the matter.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical announced on Friday that it was investigating a potential connection between the products and their impact on kidney health after receiving reports of kidney-related diseases associated with the supplements.
By Thursday night, a total of 114 individuals had been hospitalized and five had succumbed after consuming the supplements that were advertised as beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels, as per the company’s statement.
Kobayashi expressed that they are evaluating the financial implications stemming from the recent incidents.
The company had initiated a recall of products containing Beni-Koji following reports of kidney issues linked to their consumption in recent days.
An association of Chinese consumers urged individuals to discontinue the usage of affected products due to concerns regarding potential risks associated with Kobayashi products, according to state media reports released on Friday.
It was noted that Beni-Koji includes Monascus purpureus, a red fungus also utilized as a red dye in certain food items.
(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by William Mallard)
