Japanese authorities inspect second Kobayashi Pharma factory after deaths

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. President Akihiro Kobayashi attends a press conference in Osaka, Japan March 29, 2024, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) -Health authorities searched a second Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory in western Japan on Sunday after the company reported five deaths possibly tied to dietary supplements, an official said.

The inspection in Wakayama prefecture follows one on Saturday in Osaka, expanding the investigation into the drugmaker's use of "Beni-Koji" red yeast materials.