Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals Investigates 76 More Deaths After Using Red Yeast Rice

Previously, the company recorded 5 people died after using this product, the trade name is “beni-koji cholesterol help”. However, on June 28, Kobayashi announced that the number of deaths was 4, one person did not use this functional food.

The deaths were all due to impaired kidney function, 90% were between the ages of 40 and 69, of which 66% were women. Of the 76 new deaths, the patients had cancer, cerebral infarction, pneumonia and aortic dissection, according to the company.

The Ministry of Health said it will continue to investigate the incident. Families with influencers have contacted the company and will coordinate with the Ministry for further analysis. Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Keizo Takemi said the company was slow in reporting the incident to authorities.

“The investigation of deaths cannot be entrusted to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. The ministry will directly manage it,” Takemi said.

According to Kobayashi, the deaths may have been caused by chemicals produced during the processing of red yeast rice. The company found puberulic acid, a natural compound derived from blue mold, in the ingredients used.

The number of questions sent to the company is currently up to 22,000. The ministry set up a government hotline to resolve queries on this issue, which has so far received more than 1,500 calls.

The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) said that it has not yet licensed the above products for circulation in Vietnam, and recommends that people do not buy them via social networks or carry them 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.