Four die ‘after taking Japanese cholesterol-cutting supplement’

FOUR people in Japan are believed to have died after consuming a supplement containing red yeast rice, as a health scare sweeps the country.

Red yeast rice, or “beni koji”, is supposed to help lower cholesterol and is an ingredient in dozens of other products that are being recalled, including sake, salad dressing and miso paste.

Last week, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical recalled three over-the-counter supplement brands – “Beni Koji Choleste Help” and two others – after customers complained of kidney problems.

Yesterday, the company announced two more deaths potentially related to its tablets, bringing the total under investigation by it and the health ministry to four, with more than 100 other people treated in hospital.

Fumio Kishida, the prime minister, said in parliament that “after the cause is identified, the government will examine what measures are necessary to prevent similar incidents”.

Medical studies describe red yeast rice as an alternative to statins for lowering high cholesterol, but also warn of a risk of organ damage depending on its chemical make-up.

The Osaka-based company says it has supplied red yeast rice to around 50 other firms in Japan and two in Taiwan.

The government has ordered several health-food makers to review their products, while informing foreign countries about the issue through Japan’s embassies, Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet secretary, said.

Dozens of Japanese firms that used beni koji provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have separately announced recalls.

A Kobayashi executive said last week that the company first received complaints about kidney problems in January.