Kobayashi Pharma ordered to recall red yeast rice pills after 2 deaths

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical

27/03/2024 07:40

TOKYO, March 27 (Reuters) - Japanese authorities on
Wednesday ordered drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical  4967.T  to
recall three dietary supplement products containing red yeast
rice, or beni koji, after they were linked to two deaths.
    More than 100 people have been hospitalised after taking the
supplements, which were marketed as helping to lower cholesterol
levels, the government said. 
    The Osaka-based drugmaker said it was investigating a
suspected link between the products and their effects on the
kidney. 
    Beni koji contains Monascus purpureus, a red mould that is
also used as a red colouring in some foods.
    Kobayashi Pharmaceutical this week urged 52 manufacturers to
recall a wide range of products such as tofu and miso which use
beni koji that it supplies.
    The company's share price has fallen nearly 20% since Friday
when it first issued a voluntary recall of its own supplements.
On Wednesday, they closed down 3.8% at 4,875 yen. 

 (Reporting by Mariko Katsumura
Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Michael Perry)
 ((Mariko.Katsumura@thomsonreuters.com;))