Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Raises Concerns Over Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s Red Yeast Supplements
China News Service, Tokyo, March 27 (Reporter Zhu Chenxi) – The issue of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s red yeast supplements has sparked food safety concerns in Japan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed these concerns at a press conference on March 27, stating that the incident has raised questions about the safety of food products with functional labels.
Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Hayashi emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This incident has triggered serious concerns about the safety of food with functional labels.” In response to the escalating crisis, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Consumer Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and National Tax Agency convened a liaison meeting to devise strategies for handling Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s products and related items containing red yeast raw materials. Hiroko Otsubo, Director of Health and Hygiene at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, assured that comprehensive investigations would be conducted to prevent further harm.
According to Japan’s “Asahi Shimbun,” Kobayashi Pharmaceutical revealed on March 27 that two consumers had died after using the company’s health products containing red yeast rice ingredients. Additionally, the number of individuals hospitalized due to complications from the problematic supplements has risen to 106, as reported by Japan’s Kyodo News Agency.
The crisis began when Kobayashi Pharmaceutical decided to recall three health products containing red yeast ingredients on March 22 following reports of consumers developing kidney disease and other health issues. Subsequent to this decision, several food and beverage manufacturers in Japan announced recalls of products containing red yeast rice sourced from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical.
As investigations into the matter continue, authorities are working diligently to contain the situation and ensure consumer safety. The repercussions of this incident are far-reaching, highlighting the critical importance of stringent quality control measures in the food and health supplement industry.
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