Important notice on behalf of KOBAYASHI Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Request for discontinuation of use of「Beni-koji」related products and recall in Japan by KOBAYASHI Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

KOBAYASHI Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kobayashi Japan) has received reports that kidney problems have occurred in those who have consumed food supplements that contain Beni-koji, (also known as red yeast rice) that were manufactured by the company. A list of the affected products is below. Kobayashi Japan has confirmed that the company has not exported this food supplement product into the U.S. The information in this announcement is being shared by Kobayashi America, on behalf of Kobayashi Japan, out of an abundance of caution and to share information with the American consumer.

In response to the situation, Kobayashi Japan has conducted an ingredient analysis but has not been able to identify the exact ingredient that may have caused the problem nor clearly identify the causal relationship between the Beni-koji products and the reported kidney problems. However, as a precautionary measure, to prevent the spread of health hazards to customers, Kobayashi Japan has initiated a recall in Japan of those products listed in the Subject Products Images below. Kobayashi Japan is continuing its investigation into the matter and is in close contact with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

<Request to our customers in the US >

Kobayashi America, a US Subsidiary of Kobayashi Japan, has never imported nor sold these products in the United States, however, if there are any US customers who have obtained these products, please discontinue the use of these products immediately and contact us via the e-mail address listed below.

<How to return products>

Kobayashi America, acting as an authorized agent of Kobayashi Japan, will coordinate any returns from US customers on behalf of Kobayashi Japan. US customers who have these products in their possession may contact us via the e-mail address listed below for instructions.

<Contact Information>

Email: KHI_inquiries@kobayashi.com

Any personal data provided on inquiries to the above email address will only be used to respond to returns, refunds and inquiries etc. related to this matter. For more information about privacy policy, please click here. Nevertheless, if necessary, some personal data may be transferred to Japan and processed by Kobayashi Japan. If our privacy policy is not acceptable, then please contact us.

<Subject Products>

According to the announcement from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., this recall involves the following three products: