76 additional deaths have been linked to Kobayashi Corporation’s red yeast rice supplements, which are sold under the trade name “beni-koji cholesterol help.” Initially, the company had reported only 5 deaths related to the product, but later revised the number to 4 deaths, with one person not having used the supplement. All of the deaths were attributed to impaired kidney function, with a majority of the victims being between the ages of 40 and 69, and around two-thirds of them being women.
The Ministry of Health has stated that it will continue to investigate the incidents and families of the deceased individuals have been in contact with the company for further analysis. Health Minister Keizo Takemi criticized Kobayashi Corporation for being slow in reporting the incident and announced that the ministry will directly manage the investigation into the deaths.
Kobayashi Corporation has suggested that the deaths may have been caused by chemicals produced during