In a concerning turn of events, a line of Japanese health supplements has been recalled following reports of five deaths and more than 100 hospitalizations as of Friday. The Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. faced criticism for delays in disclosing internal issues that were known as early as January, with the first public announcement made on March 22.
The company revealed that 114 individuals were hospitalized after consuming products, such as Benikoji Choleste Help, designed to lower cholesterol, containing an ingredient known as benikoji, a red species of mold. Initially, two deaths were reported earlier in the week, with some individuals experiencing kidney problems post-consumption. Investigations, in collaboration with government laboratories, are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Expressing deep regret, President Akihiro Kobayashi offered a formal apology to the affected individuals, their families, and the broader health food industry and medical community. The company is actively working to prevent further harm and enhance crisis management protocols.
Following the recall, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's products, along with numerous others containing benikoji, including miso paste, crackers, and vinegar dressing, have been removed from shelves. The Japanese health ministry has published a comprehensive list of recalled items on its official website, cautioning that the number of fatalities may rise.
Notably, the supplements were available for purchase without a prescription, potentially leading to sales or exports prior to the recall, including to unaware tourists. While Kobayashi Pharmaceutical had a history of selling benikoji products, issues emerged with supplements manufactured in 2023, despite the company producing 18.5 tons of benikoji the previous year.
Some industry analysts attribute the incident to recent deregulation efforts aimed at expediting approval processes for health products to stimulate economic growth.
