Consumers in Taiwan who purchased beni kōji supplements made by Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, or products containing their beni kōji as an ingredient, can now seek refunds through a streamlined process. This comes amid growing concerns over the safety of the fermented red rice supplement, which has been linked to health problems in both Japan and Taiwan.
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Wednesday that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s Taiwanese subsidiary is now accepting inquiries and collecting products from consumers who bought the company’s beni kōji supplements directly. Additionally, a dedicated hotline has been established to assist those who purchased beni kōji products from other manufacturers that used Kobayashi’s ingredient.
This move comes as a welcome relief for Taiwanese consumers, as Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has not directly sold the problematic supplements in the country. The affected products reached consumers through local companies and importers who purchased beni kōji from Kobayashi as a raw ingredient.
40 Cases Reported in Taiwan
As of Thursday, Taiwan’s FDA has received reports of 40 “adverse reactions” linked to beni kōji products. These include symptoms like declining kidney function, blood in urine, and lower back pain.
While the exact cause of the health issues remains under investigation, Taiwan has seen a significantly smaller number of cases compared to Japan, where five deaths and over 200 hospitalizations have been reported.
Taiwan Takes Action
Taiwanese authorities are taking a proactive approach to ensure consumer safety. The FDA has documented the voluntary recall of over 240 products containing fermented red rice ingredients from Kobayashi, including supplements made by other brands.
Inspections have also been conducted at the facilities of local importers, with one company recalling all its fermented red rice products and suspending sales.
Refunds and Support
Consumers who are unsure about where to seek a refund can contact the dedicated hotline at Kobayashi’s Taiwan subsidiary. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Committee is offering assistance, including the possibility of facilitating a class-action lawsuit in the future.
Investigations Continue
While the exact cause of the health problems remains unclear, both Taiwanese and Japanese authorities are actively investigating the issue. Consumers in Taiwan are advised to be cautious about beni kōji products and to seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms.
Image: Kyodo News
