A Japanese drugmaker has apologized after its supplements led to widespread health concerns. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical says several people died after using products that contain the ingredient known as “beni-koji.”
(Kobayashi Akihiro / President and Chief Operating Officer, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical)
“I pray for the deceased and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We offer our most sincere apologies.”
He said that as of Thursday, five people who used the supplements died after developing kidney problems. He said there were also more than 100 hospitalizations. The supplements contain “beni-koji,” or rice fermented with red yeast.
A health ministry official said the company found “puberulic acid” in some samples. It can be produced by blue mold. But authorities said it's not clear whether it's the cause.
DRUGMAKER APOLOGIZES AFTER FIFTH DEATH REPORTED
A Japanese drugmaker has apologized after its supplements led to widespread health concerns. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical says several people died after using products that contain the ingredient known as “beni-koji.”
(Kobayashi Akihiro / President and Chief Operating Officer, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical)
“I pray for the deceased and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We offer our most sincere apologies.”
He said that as of Thursday, five people who used the supplements died after developing kidney problems. He said there were also more than 100 hospitalizations. The supplements contain “beni-koji,” or rice fermented with red yeast.
A health ministry official said the company found “puberulic acid” in some samples. It can be produced by blue mold. But authorities said it's not clear whether it's the cause.