Two more people have died after taking Kobayashi Pharma's cholesterol-lowering supplement 'beni-koji choleste help', bringing the total fatalities to four. 🌡️ The Osaka-based pharmaceutical giant confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, revealing one victim showed signs of kidney disease while the other had used the product since 2021.
Health Crisis Unfolds
Japan's health ministry reports 93 hospitalizations linked to the supplement, while over 12,000 worried consumers flooded Kobayashi's helpline. This marks the first major safety scandal involving functional foods since Japan introduced its regulatory system in 2015. Critics blast the company's delayed response—'People buy their products based on trust,' a resident told China Media Group. 'They should release information faster.' 😓
Mold Suspected in Osaka Factory
Investigators are scrutinizing beni-koji ingredients from Kobayashi's Osaka facility, with preliminary suspicions pointing to mold-derived substances. 🧪 The exact cause remains unknown, leaving consumers anxious. 'I’m worried because it’s a company I trusted,' another resident said.
Government Crackdown Begins
Osaka authorities ordered recalls for three yeast-fermed rice products, including the implicated supplement. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed action, announcing emergency inspections of 6,000+ functional food items nationwide. 🛑 Stores are pulling affected products amid rising public fears over food safety standards.
