Investigation Launched into Death Potentially Linked to Red Yeast Rice Pills
In a shocking turn of events, a major Japanese drugmaker is currently investigating a death that may be connected to its red yeast rice pills, which were recently recalled. The company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, disclosed that over 26 individuals were hospitalized after consuming the beni kōji fermented rice products.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical made headlines last week when they issued a voluntary recall of five products due to reported injuries. Customers were urgently advised to discontinue the use of these pills, originally marketed as cholesterol-lowering supplements.
The firm suspects that the issue may stem from previously undetected toxic substances found in the moulds used during production. Beni kōji, a type of rice fermented with monascus purpureus, a reddish-purple mould, is not only promoted as a health supplement for cholesterol and blood pressure but is also commonly utilized as a traditional food dye.
On Tuesday, the company made a groundbreaking announcement confirming the “causal relationship” between its Red Yeast Cholesterol Help product and the customer’s unfortunate demise. According to reports, the deceased had been using the product for three years as part of a regular mail order and ultimately passed away from kidney disease.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, dedicated to transparency, stated, “Although we are diligently confirming the facts and causal relationships, we would like to report this from the perspective of prompt information disclosure. Our company has always prioritized the health of our customers above all else, and we sincerely apologize for this situation.”
Customers who experienced adverse effects such as changes in urine color, limb swelling, and fatigue were urged to seek medical attention. The company initiated an investigation after receiving reports of health issues from a concerned doctor back in January and has since established a hotline for customers.
The Red Yeast Cholesterol Help product was introduced to the market in February 2021, with over a million packets sold to date, as reported by Japanese media. Additionally, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical supplied beni kōji as a food ingredient to various companies worldwide and promptly alerted them of the potential risks last week.
Fortunately, no other companies have reported any customer injuries linked to the supplied beni kōji. However, Takara Shuzo Co, a prominent beverage maker, announced its decision to recall a sparkling sake product that was colored with the supplied ingredient. The situation continues to develop as authorities delve deeper into the matter. – BBC
