2 dead, over 100 hospitalized after taking Japanese drugmaker's supplements

Another death related to supplements containing red yeast rice, or "beni-koji," made by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has been confirmed following health problems associated with the ingredient, as reported by the health ministry of the country. 

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare revealed these findings after interviewing officials at the drugmaker based in Osaka, mentioning that details about the second fatality are still unclear. Nevertheless, a doctor's note indicated that the individual experienced kidney issues. 

As per the ministry, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical stated that 106 people were admitted to hospitals after using the supplements, and the company's helpline received around 3,000 inquiries expressing health worries. 

With the health crisis intensifying, the government of Osaka issued recalls for three products containing yeast-fermented rice that were subject to voluntary recalls. Local media sources reported that the city government intends to issue disposal orders after completing the necessary procedures based on the Food Sanitation Act, suspecting the presence of harmful substances. 

The pharmaceutical company also declared the cancellation of its upcoming new employee ceremony planned for the following Monday in Osaka. 

Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet secretary, stated during a press briefing on Wednesday that the incident "has raised serious safety concerns regarding functional food products," according to the national news agency Kyodo. 

Local media reports indicated that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical took more than two months to reveal the damage they were aware of. The Consumer Affairs Agency is set to carry out an urgent inspection of over 6,000 functional foods. 

This case involving the drugmaker is the first instance of a manufacturer publicly acknowledging health issues and initiating voluntary recalls since the implementation of the functional food labeling system in 2015 in the country. 

The beni-koji associated with health problems was produced at Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's factory in Osaka. Although the company suggested that unforeseen mold-related ingredients might have led to the issue, a specific cause has not yet been pinpointed.