In March, health officials in Japan conducted a raid on a factory in Osaka that was producing health supplements linked to the deaths of at least five people and the hospitalization of over 100 others. The officials, dressed in dark suits, entered the Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. plant, as shown on Japanese TV news channels.
The supplements were found to contain “benikoji,” a type of red mold. One of the products produced by Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals was Benikoji Choleste Help, which claimed to help lower cholesterol levels. The company sold around a million packages of these supplements over the past three fiscal years, as well as supplying benikoji to other manufacturers and exporting some products.
Reports of health issues related to these supplements began to surface in 2023, although benikoji has been used in various products for years. The company’s president, Akihiro Kobayashi, issued an apology for the delay in responding to the situation. The recall of the products was initiated on March 22, two months after the company was informed of the health problems.
According to Japan’s health ministry, the supplements have been linked to five deaths and the hospitalization of 114 people. The government has ordered a review of the approval system for health products in light of this incident. This review aims to address concerns about consumer product safety and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect public health.
The recent deregulation initiatives aimed at streamlining approval processes for health products have come under scrutiny following these deaths and illnesses. These initiatives were intended to boost economic growth but may have compromised safety standards.
The government is working on a report about the approval system, which is expected to be released in May. This report will provide insights into how consumer product safety can be maintained while also promoting economic growth.
This incident has highlighted the importance of stringent checks on consumer products to ensure public safety and well-being. It serves as a reminder that regulatory agencies must prioritize public health when approving new products on
