TOKYO, March 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - A Japanese drugmaker said Monday that 26 people

had been hospitalised in relation to health supplements the company has
recalled because of concerns over kidney problems.

The prescription-free supplements contain a type of yeast-fermented rice
called "beni koji", which Kobayashi Pharmaceutical reportedly says it has
supplied to around 50 other firms worldwide.

The drugmaker on Friday said it was voluntarily recalling three products
containing beni koji, which aims to lower bad cholesterol, after customer
complaints.

On Monday the Osaka-based firm said it was aware of 26 hospitalisations, but
had "not yet reached a conclusion" on a potential link between the product
and kidney issues.

"After analysis... we found a possibility that the raw materials used to make
beni koji may contain ingredients that our company had not intended to
include," Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said.