TOKYO: A health scare in Japan has escalated as dietary supplements containing red yeast rice, marketed to lower cholesterol, have been linked to at least 157 hospitalizations, according to a health ministry official.

This figure represents an increase from the 114 hospitalization cases reported earlier by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of the supplements.

The company, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, is currently under scrutiny after announcing investigations into five deaths potentially associated with its products. These incidents have prompted concerns about the safety of the supplements, particularly regarding kidney-related health issues.

The supplements, which contain “beni koji” or red yeast rice, have been widely used in East Asia for centuries. However, recent findings of a potentially toxic acid produced by mould at one of Kobayashi’s factories have raised alarm bells.

As a precautionary measure, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical initiated a recall of three types of over-the-counter tablets containing red yeast rice on March 22. Subsequent government inspections have been conducted at the company’s facilities to assess the situation.

The health scare has garnered significant attention in Japan, dominating headlines and sparking discussions on social media. However, it has also led to the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories online.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a renowned name in Japan’s health industry, has acknowledged selling red yeast rice to other firms domestically and internationally. In response to the crisis, some of these companies have initiated recalls of products containing the ingredient.

Furthermore, the impact of the health scare has extended beyond Japan, with Taiwanese authorities reporting preventive recalls of 154 products containing red yeast rice. Additionally, a woman in Taiwan reportedly experienced kidney failure after consuming Kobayashi’s supplements for several years.

The unfolding situation underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and regulatory oversight in the production and distribution of dietary supplements, as well as the need for swift action to address potential health risks associated with such products.