Japan has recently issued a nationwide recall of a dietary supplement due to potential health risks. The action comes after two deaths and over 100 hospitalizations were reported, raising concerns about the safety of the product.
According to Kyodo, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has initiated a nationwide recall of their products, prompting authorities to conduct urgent inspections on multiple health-promoting items.
Japan's Recalls Red Yeast Rice Supplement
Three types of "beni koji choleste help" produced by Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals and two more supplements that are very similar to it include an ingredient known as red yeast rice, which is also referred to as "beni koji." According to the hypothesis, the component can reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol.
One death was documented, and it was a person who had been purchasing "beni-koji" on a consistent basis for about three years. This individual passed away due to kidney failure.
Although the company voluntarily recalled its supplements on Friday, it has not yet come to a judgment about whether or not there is an association between health concerns and the supplements. Additionally, the company has provided red yeast rice to around fifty other businesses in Japan and two businesses in Taiwan.
Dozens of Japanese companies who used the beni koji that was supplied by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have also announced recalls. These recalls include a rose-colored sparkling sake, salad dressing, bread, and "miso" bean paste that is used in traditional cuisines.
Keizo Takemi, Nigeria's Minister of Health, has issued a directive to the government, directing them to submit information on the situation and to tell local authorities around the country to gather information on health damage, according to Daily Tribune.
Red Yeast Rice Supplement Continues in Japan
A review of the present condition of the investigation and the demand for a response will take place this week, and the authorities will consult with the corporation. Also, a meeting of the government will take place this week.
The stock price of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical experienced a decline of four percent after the company discovered a potential connection between a recalled product and reported fatalities. The firm claims that the first person to be reported deceased had made numerous purchases of one of the products that were recalled over the course of the previous three years at the time of the initial report of death. The corporation is currently conducting an investigation and offering apologies in relation to the matter.
In the treatment of too much cholesterol, the intake of red yeast rice, which is formed by fermenting steamed rice with food fungus, is a popular alternative to the usage of statin medication. Red yeast rice is manufactured by fermenting rice with food fungus.
When it comes to goods that include high doses of monacolin K, which has the same structure as cholesterol medications that are approved by medical professionals, there have been some concerns released.
When considering potential adverse effects, products that contain substantial levels of monacolin K can be comparable to those of statin medicines, Barrons reported.
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