Japan Probes Second Kobayashi Pharma Plant After Consumer Deaths

Japanese health authorities are investigating a second Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory in western Japan following reports of deaths possibly linked to dietary supplements produced by the company, as reported by Tetsushi Kajimoto and Ju-min Park for Reuters.

The investigation, expanding from an initial inspection in Osaka, focuses on the use of "Beni-Koji" red yeast materials in dietary supplements. I Photo: Nedley Health

The investigation, expanding from an initial inspection in Osaka, focuses on the use of "Beni-Koji" red yeast materials in dietary supplements. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical reported five deaths and numerous hospitalizations linked to these supplements, which were marketed to lower cholesterol levels.

The supplements contained Monascus purpureus, a red mold used as a food coloring, and potentially toxic puberulic acid believed to be produced by blue mold Penicillium. The cause of the deaths has not been confirmed, but authorities suspect Beni-Koji may be the culprit, prompting inspections at multiple facilities.

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