A factory in Osaka’s Yodogawa Ward was closed in December due to ageing facilities, leading to a shift in production to the factory in Kinokawa. The company, Kobayashi, faced criticism for taking two months to announce the health impacts of its products after reports of kidney ailments began surfacing. Japanese media reported that the products were also consumed in other countries, with a case of acute renal failure reported in Taiwan. Taiwan’s food and drug administration was investigating three “unexpected health reactions” potentially related to materials imported from Kobayashi.
A Chinese consumers association urged consumers to stop using potentially affected products, expressing concerns about the risk posed by Kobayashi products. Japan’s health ministry was aware of the Taiwanese cases but did not comment further on any international cases. Kobayashi sells Beni-Koji wholesale to 52 companies, which have conducted voluntary inspections and found no materials requiring medical consultation as of a certain date. These companies then distribute the materials to 173 others, potentially impacting around 1,800 food makers, as reported by TV Asahi.
Beni-Koji, a product of Kobayashi, contains Monascus purpureus, a red mould commonly used as a food colouring. The health ministry of Japan, along with Taiwanese authorities, have been monitoring the situation closely as reports of health issues related to the product continue to surface. Health concerns have prompted a call for consumers to refrain from using products that may be affected by the potential health risks associated with Kobayashi’s products. The company had begun recalling products in March after receiving reports of kidney ailments, prompting investigations and inspections by various companies involved in the distribution chain.
The closure of the factory in Osaka due to aging facilities and the subsequent shift in production to another facility were seen as necessary steps to address the issues surrounding Kobayashi’s products. The delay in announcing the health impacts of the products had drawn criticism from the government, leading to increased scrutiny and investigations by authorities in Japan and Taiwan. The potential health risks associated with the consumption of products containing Monascus purpureus have raised concerns among consumers and regulatory authorities, prompting measures to ensure the safety of affected products and the well-being of consumers.
As investigations continue and more cases of health issues related to Kobayashi’s products are reported, the focus remains on identifying and addressing the root causes of the health problems. The international nature of the distribution chain for the affected products has highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among different countries’ regulatory authorities to address the potential risks posed by Kobayashi’s products. The safety and well-being of consumers remain a top priority as authorities work to determine the extent of the impact of the products and implement measures to mitigate any potential health risks.
