2 deaths linked to Japan health supplement scare
TOKYO—Two deaths were linked Wednesday to a growing health scare in Japan around dietary supplements meant to lower cholesterol, with more than 100 people reportedly hospitalized.
The drugmaker at the center of the concerns, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, told AFP that it was aware of two deaths possibly related to its prescription-free tablets.
It has recalled three supplement brands—“beni koji choleste help” and two other products—which contain an ingredient called red yeast rice, or “beni koji.”
Medical research describes red yeast rice as an alternative to statins for lowering high cholesterol, but also warns of a risk of organ damage depending on its chemical makeup.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said Tuesday it was aware of 75 hospitalizations in total in relation to its products, which it recalled after kidney complaints from customers.
No conclusion yet
Several Japanese media reports said that this number has now risen to 106, but neither the drugmaker or the health ministry were immediately able to confirm the latest figure.
The company has cautioned that it has not reached a conclusion on a causal link between the health problems and its supplements, which it voluntarily recalled on Friday.
It has also supplied red yeast rice to around 50 other firms in Japan and two in Taiwan, said the Osaka-based company, which sells over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Dozens of Japanese firms that used the beni koji provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in their products have also separately announced recalls.
These include a rose-colored sparkling sake, salad dressing, bread, and miso bean paste used in many traditional dishes, along with various health tablets.
‘Need for a response’
Health minister Keizo Takemi said on Tuesday that the government had told Kobayashi Pharmaceutical to “promptly provide information” on the situation.
The health ministry has also “instructed local authorities nationwide to collect information on health damage,” he said, offering condolences to those affected.
Authorities will consult with the company, and a government meeting will be held this week “to discuss the status of the case and the need for a response,” Takemi added.
The drugmaker earlier said that the first person reported dead had regularly purchased one of the recalled products over the course of nearly three years.
“We’re now aware of one instance where there is a potential causal link between a death and our product,” the company said in a statement.
“We are currently investigating the link, and what happened,” it added, offering “deepest apologies.” —AFP
