Japan firm probing 76 more deaths in supplement scare

Kobayashi said it would work to identify the exact cause and scope of health damage – including whether organs other than kidneys were harmed. - PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (Agencies): Japanese health supplement maker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said on June 28 it was probing 76 more deaths possibly linked to its tablets containing red yeast rice, meant to lower cholesterol.

It deepens a scandal that erupted earlier in 2024, when the company said it was looking into five deaths potentially linked to the over-the-counter products after dozens of customers reported kidney problems.