Death and kidney disease among consumers of certain supplements in Japan have led to a recall of similar products from Taiwan’s shelves.
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Senior executives of Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceutical company bow their heads in apology, after confirming that 13 people who consumed their supplements experienced kidney disease.
In Japan, an elderly consumer died after having taken the supplement for nearly three years, another two were put on kidney dialysis and six have been hospitalized. The company's three variations of red yeast rice supplements are the culprit.
Major Taiwanese health product manufacturers including Daiken Biomedical (大研生醫) and Greencome (大醫生技), which import red yeast rice raw materials from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have swiftly announced precautionary recalls of their products, despite affirming the passing of inspections on their official websites.
The Health and Welfare Ministry says that the three supplements in question have not been imported into Taiwan. However, inspections of domestic products containing red yeast rice from Japan will be strengthened. Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) says that domestically produced goods containing Japanese-imported Kobayashi red yeast rice have been removed from shelves.
Toxicologist Dr. Yen Tsung-hai (顏宗海) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, advises individuals who experience reduced urination, edema, or discomfort after consuming health supplements to promptly seek medical attention.