5 people died, 100+ hospitalised in Japan due to dietary supplements poisoning
Five people who took Japanese dietary supplements died, and more than 100 were hospitalised as of March 29th, a week after the pharmaceutical company announced a product recall, The Associated Press reports
Osaka-based Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. came under fire for not going public immediately about problems with dietary supplements known internally as early as January. The first public statement about this was made only on March 22nd.
“On March 27th, the number of deaths stood at two people. On March 29th, company officials updated the number of dead to five, and said 114 people were being treated in hospitals after taking products — including Benikoji Choleste Help meant to lower cholesterol — that contain an ingredient called beni kōji, a red species of mould,” the publication reads.
Some people developed kidney problems after taking the supplements, but, according to the manufacturer, the exact cause was still being investigated jointly with employees of government laboratories.
The company's products were recalled, as were dozens of others containing beni kōji, including miso paste, crackers and vinegar dressing. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare put up a list of such products on its official website, including those in which this additive is used as a food colouring agent.
