Tokyo, Japan – High-ranking executives at Kobayashi Pharmaceutical have resigned in the wake of a scandal involving a health supplement potentially linked to 80 deaths. President Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi, both from the founding family, stepped down on Tuesday after a damning external report criticized the company’s handling of consumer safety risks.
The controversy centers on over-the-counter tablets designed to lower cholesterol. An independent report funded by the company revealed that Kobayashi’s leadership exhibited an “insufficient sense of urgency” regarding the dangers posed to consumers.
The problematic tablets contain red yeast rice, or “beni koji,” fermented with mold cultures. Though a staple in East Asian cuisine for centuries, certain chemical compositions of red yeast rice can cause organ damage.
Delayed Response to Consumer Complaints
The scandal first emerged in March when consumers reported kidney ailments after using the supplement, prompting a government investigation. The inquiry uncovered that a potentially toxic acid was being produced by the mold at one of Kobayashi’s factories. Government officials labeled the company’s delay in reporting the number of affected cases as “extremely regrettable.”
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a household name in Japan, has long enjoyed a reputation for high consumer protection. However, the external report published on Tuesday highlighted a failure to act promptly. It noted that the company had “never before received multiple reports of serious cases from doctors in such a short period.”
Criticism of Internal Procedures
The report condemned the company for not recalling the products immediately and for not reporting the incidents sooner. Instead, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical initiated an internal investigation before deciding to recall the supplements. The lawyers conducting the audit stressed that immediate action should have been taken.
A Reputable Brand Under Scrutiny
This incident marks a significant blemish on Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s reputation. As the company moves forward, the resignations of its top executives signal an acknowledgment of responsibility and a step towards rebuilding trust with consumers.
In light of these developments, the company faces increased scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies, as it works to address the fallout from this scandal and ensure the safety of its products in the future.
