Two top executives at Japanese drugmaker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical are resigning as an investigation into 80 deaths that may be linked to some of its products continues.
The company said that President Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi, members of the company’s founding family, have resigned.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said the decision was made to “clarify administrative responsibilities” regarding its red yeast fermented rice product.
In March, the company recalled five products and said it had received reports of kidney problems from customers.
The company launched an investigation in January after a doctor alerted them to reported health concerns. It also operates a hotline for customers to seek advice.
Affected customers reported symptoms such as changes in urine color, swelling of extremities and fatigue.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical later said it discovered potentially toxic acids produced by the mold at one of its factories.
In addition, the company’s board of directors said it would “pray for the deceased and express condolences to the family of the deceased.”
“We would also like to once again deeply apologize to our customers and business partners,” the statement added.
Satoshi Yamane, the company’s head of sustainability policy, will serve as the new president.
Kobayashi said he wanted to be held accountable for any harm caused to customers and would stay with the company to handle any compensation arrangements.
Red yeast rice is fermented rice with red yeast rice, a red-purple mold. Although it is promoted as a health supplement to treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure, it is also widely used as a traditional dye for foods.
