Tokyo, March 27 -- A second fatality linked to supplements containing red yeast rice, or "beni-koji" manufactured by Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has been confirmed in the wake of health issues arising from the ingredient, according to the country's health ministry.
The findings were disclosed by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare after questioning officials at the Osaka-based drugmaker, noting that details of the second death remained unclear. However, a doctor's written comment said the person suffered kidney damage.
According to the ministry, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said that 106 individuals have been hospitalized upon consuming the supplements, with approximately 3,000 inquiries voicing health concerns receiv...