Supplements Linked to 5 Deaths Trigger Nationwide Recall
A growing health crisis in Japan has left five dead and 93 hospitalized after consuming red yeast rice supplements produced by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. 🌾💊 The Osaka-based company, which halted production, faces scrutiny as experts warn of a 'crisis of confidence' in food safety systems.
📉 Trust in Jeopardy
Waseda University professor Atsushi Osanai told China Media Group that the incident exposes flaws in corporate responsibility: 'Function-labeled foods rely on company reputations instead of government approvals. This breach of trust could shake the entire system.'
🌍 Global Implications
Over 12,000 consumer inquiries have flooded Kobayashi since March 22, with recalls expanding to convenience store items like FamilyMart’s fried rice. Japan’s agriculture ministry has mobilized logistics teams to remove affected products nationwide.
Osanai emphasized: 'Health risks don’t stop at borders—companies must address international impacts too.'
