Cholesterol tablets spark health scare after 2 die in Japan, more than 100 hospitalised

The drug maker at the centre of the concerns, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, said that it was aware of two deaths possibly related to its prescription-free tablets.

It has recalled three supplement brands – “beni koji choleste help” and two other products – which contain an ingredient called red yeast rice, or beni koji.

Medical research describes red yeast rice as an alternative to statins for lowering high cholesterol, but also warns of a risk of organ damage depending on its chemical make-up.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said on Tuesday it was aware of 75 hospitalisations in total in relation to its products, which it recalled after kidney complaints from customers.

Several Japanese media reports said that this number has now risen to 106, but neither the drug maker or the health ministry were immediately able to confirm the latest figure.

The company has cautioned that it has not reached a conclusion on a causal link between the health problems and its supplements, which it voluntarily recalled on Friday.

Dozens of Japanese firms that used the beni koji provided by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical in their products have also separately announced recalls.

These include a rose-coloured sparkling sake, salad dressing, bread, and “miso” bean paste used in many traditional dishes, along with various health tablets.

Health Minister Keizo Takemi said on Tuesday that the government had told Kobayashi Pharmaceutical to “promptly provide information” on the situation.

The health ministry has also “instructed local authorities nationwide to collect information on health damage”, he said, offering condolences to those affected.

Authorities will consult the company, and a government meeting will be held this week “to discuss the status of the case and the