TOKYO, June 28, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese health supplement maker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said Friday it was probing 76 more deaths possibly linked to its tablets containing red yeast rice, or "beni koji", meant to lower cholesterol.

"We have received 1,656 inquiries from individuals who have sought medical attention, and have 76 cases under investigation over (a causal) connection to the deaths," it said.