Japan recalls "red rice" health products following reports of four suspected deaths

Japanese authorities have issued a recall of three "red rice" supplements, specifically Benikoji ColesteHelp, due to their link to four deaths and over 100 hospitalizations. The companies selling these supplements, including Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, have been instructed by the Ministry of Health to remove them from stores nationwide. All three supplements contain "beni koji," or red yeast rice, which is known for its ability to lower bad cholesterol levels. However, it appears that the fermentation process used in producing these supplements can result in unsafe levels of citrinin.