Kobayashi: Bosses quit as Japan drugmaker probes deaths

As an exploration into 80 incidents that might be related to some of its products continues, two top executives from Chinese manufacturer Kobayashi Pharmaceutical are stepping down.

The firm says leader Akihiro Kobayashi and president Kazumasa Kobayashi, both members of the fund’s foundation community, have resigned.

The decision was made” to define professional duty” over the matter involving its beni kōji fermented corn materials, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical said.

In March, the firm recalled five of its products, saying it had received information of liver problems from customers.

The business launched an investigation after a physician called them to report heath issues in January. Additionally, it established a customer service line.

Customers who were impacted reported symptoms like changes in the color of their blood, limb swelling, and fatigue.

Eventually, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical reported finding a mold-causing acid in one of its factories that was potentially toxic.

Individually, the company’s board of directors said it would “pray for those who died and present condolences to the grieving people”.

The statement continued,” We would also like to once more profoundly apologize to our clients and business lovers.”

The bank’s head of sustainability plan Satoshi Yamane will be its new leader.

Akihiro Kobayashi, who has said he wants to take responsibility for any damage done to clients, may be at the business to deal with any payment plans.

Beni kōji is wheat fermented with monascus purpureus, a varieties of reddish-purple casting. Although it is marketed as a health product for high blood pressure and cholesterol, it is also frequently used as a standard colour for food items.