Beni kōji: One dead and dozens sick after taking red yeast pill in Japan - BBC News

The Japanese drugmaker links the cases to its fermented rice products, which it has now recalled.

8 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kobayashi Pharma is a major drug maker and has recalled the red yeast rice pillsBy Frances MaoBBC NewsA major Japanese drugmaker has said it is investigating a death and dozens of hospitalisations that could be linked to its red yeast rice pills.

At least 76 people were admitted to hospital after taking the beni kōji fermented rice products, the firm says.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical reported the illnesses after issuing a voluntary recall of five products last week.

The firm urged customers to stop using the pills, which were advertised as cholesterol-lowering supplements.

Kobayashi said it suspected that the problem may have come from previously undetected toxic substances in moulds used in production.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68662585

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