JapanAuthorities inspected Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s beni-koji red yeast rice factory in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, in the context of many people dying and being hospitalized after using this product.
According to local media, the factory in Wakayama took over production equipment from the Osaka factory – a facility that ceased operations last December because of old machinery and lines. Kobayashi pharmaceutical company leaders said additional ingredients were shipped to the Wakayama factory during and after January. The company pledged to respond sincerely and cooperate with authorities to confirm the cause as soon as possible. .
Previously, Kobayashi said it was possible that puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from green mold, produced during rice fermentation, was the cause of the deaths. Puberulic acid can be used as an antibiotic, but it is highly toxic and is not allowed in functional foods. Kobayashi also admitted that the beni-koji production line did not meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification.
Officials from the Japanese Ministry of Health came to the Kobayashi factory in Wakayama Prefecture for inspection, February 31. Image: Japan Times
The National Institute of Health Sciences will analyze the samples to assess the toxicity of the acid, determine why it appears in beni-koji products, and investigate its connection to the problems. health.
During a press conference on March 29, President and CEO Akihiro Kobayashi apologized for the problems users encountered. “We will find the cause and take appropriate measures,” he said.
The company said its products are also consumed in a number of countries and territories in Asia. In China, online product sales have been suspended. The product also stopped circulating in Taiwan.
Previously, since March 27, Japan reported 5 deaths and at least 115 deaths related to this functional food. Authorities will investigate the manufacturing process in detail to examine the link between the product and health problems.
The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) said that the above products have not been licensed for circulation in Vietnam, and advised people not to buy them via social networks by hand.
“If you discover these products circulating on the market, please notify the authorities for handling according to the provisions of law,” the Food Safety Department stated.