SINGAPORE — Three health supplements that are linked to five deaths and over 100 hospitalisations in Japan are "not marketed" in Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Sunday (March 31).

In response to CNA's queries, HSA said it has confirmed with Kobayashi Pharmaceutical (Singapore) that its three health supplements that contain "beni koji", or red yeast rice, that were recalled in Japan on March 22 are not sold in stores or official websites in Singapore.

The three supplements are Red Yeast Rice Cholesterol, Nattokinase Smooth Grain GOLD and Naishi Help + Cholesterol.

"Based on preliminary information, the affected products marketed in Japan were recalled due to the presence of unintended ingredients, which were suspected to be associated with kidney problems in consumers who consumed these affected products," said HSA.

"Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Japan is currently investigating the matter."

Osaka-based Kobayashi said that it found what appeared to be potentially toxic puberulic acid that could have been produced by blue mould penicillium in beni koji rice produced between last April and October at the Osaka factory.

As of March 29, five people have died and 114 people had been hospitalised in Japan after taking the supplements, which were marketed as helping lower cholesterol levels, the company said.

The cause of the deaths has not been confirmed, an official from Japan's Health and Welfare Ministry told Reuters.

But "it is suspected that beni koji may be the cause, so we have inspected two factories in two days".

Kobayashi said on March 29 that it was investigating a suspected link between the products and their effects on kidneys since it received reports of kidney disease linked to the products.

HSA said on Sunday that there has been no report of serious adverse events from the use of health products in Singapore that contain red yeast rice.

Three non-serious adverse events were reported between 2010 and 2019 for other health products unrelated to the recent recall in Japan. These include allergic reactions, such as rash and eye swelling, as well as heartburn, nausea or vomiting.   

"HSA will continue to work with Kobayashi Pharmaceutical (Singapore) and also monitor the situation closely. Members of the public will be updated if there is any safety concern," said the authority.

It advised people with pre-existing medical conditions to consult their doctor or pharmacist before consuming any health products, including those with beni koji, in case of potential interactions with other medicines.

If they feel unwell after taking the products, they should stop and seek medical advice, said the authority.

On March 26, the Singapore Food Agency recalled Mio Sparkling Sake Premium (Rose) — which comes in 300ml and 750ml bottles — as it contains red yeast rice.

This came after the voluntary recall of the two products in Japan by its manufacturer Takara Shuzo International. CNA