Japan’s health officials made a recent development in the Beni-Koji supplement case as they asked the Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. to recall all the products last week and searched the factory on Saturday (30th March).
As of Thursday evening, 114 people who consumed the supplement have been hospitalized and 5 have died. This happened because it is believed that the products contain Beni-Koji, a red species of mold.
Beni koji – “Red rice” dietary supplement
Red yeast rice dietary supplements are capable of lowering cholesterol. One of the compounds is monacolin K. This same ingredient is also used in prescription cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin.
Though that supplement is considered generally safe, it may cause heartburn, gas, headache, and abdominal discomfort.
All the 3 supplements contain beni-koji – rice fermented with rice yeast. It is traditionally used in food seasoning and preservation and wine production. Scientists say the fermentation process can produce unsafe levels of citrinin – a toxin which can lead to kidney dysfunction.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical
Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the company behind the products recorded around 12000 complaints from its users about health problems from the products.
The firm has taken the supplements off the shelf as directed by the Japanese officials and called back all the supplements keeping the health of their customers in mind.
In a call with CNN, the firm said that all four deceased users had suffered from kidney conditions after taking Benikoji ColesteHelp. Two of those dead were consuming the pills since 2021 and one began using it in routine in 2022.
BBC reported that affected individuals reported symptoms like fatigue, swollen limbs and urine colour.
Kobayashi offered a public apology and asked the public to stop using their products.
“Please stop taking our products, and please do not use them in the future.”
A preliminary investigation by the firm found that the products contained Puberulic, an unintended ingredient which can cause adverse effects when mixed with other ingredients.
The firm clarified the release of toxin saying that the strain they use doesn’t release any citrinin.
Action taken by Authorities
The Japanese authorities have ordered 3 red rice dietary supplements to be taken off shelves after the death of 5 people.
Japan’s health ministry on Wednesday asked the stores to dispose of all the stock of benikoji ColesteHelp. NaishiHelp Plus and Natto-kinase Sarasara Tsubu GOLD. This order was passed while the ministry continued to investigate the matter.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the government will investigate all the deaths and links to Beni Koji.
“If necessary, we must consider all possible measures,” he said.
In Taiwan, the FDA (food and Drug Administration) ordered distributors to suspend the import of more than 150 products that contain Beni Koji. It includes those made by Kobayashi.
In Singapore, authorities also recalled sparkling sake, a type of rice wine which uses beni koji in its production.
