China Consumers Association Issues Warning Over Japanese Supplements Scandal 🚫💊 - 🌍NewspaperAmigo

The China Consumers Association has recently issued a stern warning to Chinese consumers about Japanese supplements containing red yeast rice, also known as beni-koji. This comes in the wake of a serious health scandal involving the supplements.

While these products are not officially imported for sale in China, they can still be purchased through cross-border platforms and overseas stores. Consumers are advised to exercise caution when buying such supplements online.

Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has disclosed that there have been several deaths and over 100 hospitalizations linked to their beni-koji supplements. As a response, the company announced a voluntary recall of its three products containing beni-koji on Friday.

The association urges customers to immediately stop taking the pills and reach out to the company's customer service in China if they have already purchased them. Those who bought the supplements via import e-commerce platforms are eligible to apply for returns and refunds.

Japanese physician Eiji Kusumi criticized Kobayashi Pharmaceutical for delaying their public announcement. According to Kusumi, the company might have withheld information to protect its economic interests, stating, \"Of course they should disclose the information as soon as possible. The announcement could prevent more people from suffering kidney conditions and health issues. But to the company, the immediate disclose may affect the company's brand and economic interests.\"

Rebuilding trust will be a challenging task for Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, and this scandal marks a significant setback for the health food industry. Kusumi also highlighted the misleading nature of labeling these supplements as \"functional food,\" which might give consumers the false impression that they have been reviewed and certified by health authorities. In reality, such labeling in Japan does not require official approval.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical claims that the red yeast rice extract in their supplements can help lower cholesterol levels. However, Kusumi points out that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, making it inappropriate from a medical standpoint.

Consumers are advised to stay vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if they experience any adverse effects from these supplements. Your health should always come first!