Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Investigates 76 Additional Deaths Linked to Red Yeast Rice Supplements

The Japanese health ministry intervenes as the company faces scrutiny for failing to report new cases promptly.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical initially reported five deaths linked to its red yeast rice supplements, now updated to four confirmed cases.
The company is now investigating 76 more deaths potentially connected to the supplements, raising serious health concerns.
The Japanese health ministry criticized Kobayashi for not reporting the updated death toll and will oversee the ongoing investigation.
Kobayashi detected a potentially toxic acid in the supplements, leading to a recall and government inspections of its facilities.
The scandal has prompted recalls of related products by other companies in Japan and Taiwan.