Japan raids facility that produces health supplements related to fatalities.

Health inspectors in Japan raided a Kobayashi Pharmaceutical plant after the pharmaceutical company disclosed that a fifth death may have been connected to its nutritional supplements, which were promoted as aiding in cholesterol reduction.

On Saturday, officials from the ministries of health, labor and welfare as well as local authorities, examined the Osaka factory that manufactured the supplements containing red yeast rice, often known as “beni koji”.

Kobayashi stated on Friday that five individuals had died and 114 were being treated in hospitals after using the items. The Japanese Ministry of Health claims that the supplements are to blame for the fatalities and illnesses and warns that the number of persons afflicted may rise.

The business claims that nothing is known about the actual origin of the ailments, which include renal failure. An inquiry into the items is underway in collaboration with federal health officials.

“Beni koji” includes Monascus purpureus, a red mould that is also utilized as a culinary coloring in some cases.

Two months after the business received formal medical reports concerning the issue, the items were recalled on March 22. Akihiro Kobayashi is the president of the corporation has expressed regret for his delay in taking action.

Without a prescription, pharmacies sold the supplements. Kobayashi reported that throughout the previous three fiscal years, about one million packets were sold. Additionally, it provided “beni koji” to other producers and some of its goods were shipped to Taiwan and China.

A study of the health product clearance process has been mandated by the government in reaction to the diseases linked to supplements.

A Chinese consumers’ group on Friday asked people to cease using Kobayashi goods, saying it was concerned about the risk.