The Beni Koji Choleste Help supplement contains red yeast rice and is used as a ‘natural cholesterol lowering agent’. The product is very popular in Japan and is available without a prescription at supermarkets, for example.
Supplements containing red yeast rice are also sold in the Netherlands. The side effects institute Lareb warned about its side effects years ago. Since 2022, the guidelines for the use of red yeast in products have been tightened. There is no ban on their sale.
More than a hundred people who took the supplement have been hospitalized so far, and five people have died. Some people developed kidney problems after taking the supplements. The exact cause of the health complaints is still being investigated, according to the manufacturer.
Off the shelves
The product has been removed from shelves, along with dozens of other products containing the yeast rice, such as miso paste, crackers and vinegar dressing. A list of all recalled products has been posted on the Japanese ministry’s website. Beni Koji, which is red, is also used as a coloring agent in some products.
Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals is under fire because of the dead and sick. The manufacturer did not come out in time with the dangers of the product. The problems had been known since January, writes the AP news agency. The first public announcement was not made until March 22.
The company’s director apologized today. The product has been sold for years, but the health problems are said to only occur with supplements produced in 2023.
More deaths
The Japanese Ministry of Health does not rule out that more people will die as a result of ingesting the product. The Japanese government is conducting a major investigation.
Tags: deaths hospitalizations linked Japanese red yeast rice supplement
