 | |
| Date | March 22, 2024 – ongoing |
|---|---|
| Location | Japan, Taiwan |
| Type | Cholesterol-lowering medication and food products |
| Cause | Puberulic acid contamination |
| Deaths | Up to 80 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 500+, 94,000+ consultations |
The Kobayashi red yeast rice scandal (Japanese: 紅麹サプリ事件) is an ongoing widespread supplement contamination that was first noted on 22 March 2024, resulting in numerous health problems to people taking the supplements in Japan and Taiwan. Up to 80 people died after taking the supplements, with at least 500 more hospitalized.[1][2][3] Kobayashi Pharmaceutical officially discontinued production of beni koji products on 8 August 2024.[4]
- ^ "小林製薬「紅麹サプリ」入院患者 腎疾患以外も含めると500人に". テレ朝news (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "Japan's Kobayashi Pharma reveals 76 more deaths possibly linked to supplement". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ “『独自の製造工程』に潜むリスク】小林製薬「紅麹」サプリ 3倍の培養期間で異物の混入・発生のリスク高 タンクが老朽化していた可能性も". KTV NEWS (April 22, 2024). Accessed July 2, 2024.
- ^ Inoue, Yukana (8 August 2024). "Kobayashi Pharma to withdraw from beni kōji product segment". Japan Times. Retrieved 8 August 2024.