In Japan, health officials have launched a raid on a factory that produces dietary supplements following reports of deaths and hospitalizations linked to the products. The plant in question is Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. in Osaka, which produces supplements containing a type of red mold known as “benikoji.” One of their products, Benikoji Choleste Help, claimed to lower cholesterol levels and had sold over a million packages in the last three fiscal years domestically and internationally.
However, health issues related to benikoji emerged in 2023, leading to an investigation into the company’s actions. The president of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. has issued an apology for any harm caused by the delayed response and stated they are working with government health authorities in the ongoing probe.
The recent deregulation initiatives in Japan aimed at boosting economic growth have been cited as possible factors behind the swift approval process for health products. However, incidents of deaths linked to mass-produced items are uncommon due to strict government regulations over consumer products in Japan.
The government has ordered a review of the approval system following the supplement-related illnesses and expects a report by May. Meanwhile, the health ministry has warned that the number of affected individuals could increase as investigations continue.