Top executives of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a well-known company in Japan, have resigned following revelations that their cholesterol-lowering supplement may be linked to 80 deaths. President Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi, both belonging to the company's founding family, stepped down after an external report funded by the company revealed their insufficient response to reports of deadly complications related to their product.

The scandal revolves around over-the-counter tablets containing red yeast rice (beni koji), a common ingredient in East Asian food and drink known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. However, depending on its chemical makeup, the fermented mold cultures used in the production process can lead to organ damage.

Consumer concerns regarding kidney ailments caused by the supplement were brought to light in March, prompting a government investigation. The investigation uncovered that a potentially toxic acid was being produced by the mold at one of Kobayashi's factories. The government criticized the company for its delayed reporting of the number of cases under investigation, considering it "extremely regrettable."

The external report, published on Tuesday, strongly criticized Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, stating that the company had never before received multiple reports of serious cases from doctors in such a short period of time. The report emphasized that the company should have taken immediate action by recalling the products and reporting the incident, instead of conducting an internal investigation first.

The reputational damage caused by the scandal and the company's delayed response led to the resignation of President Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, a household name in Japan known for its high consumer protection standards, now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust.

The repercussions of this scandal go beyond the company itself, raising questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and the importance of swift action in the interest of consumer safety. The resignation of the top executives serves as a reminder to all companies to prioritize consumer well-being and take immediate action when potential risks are identified.

Moving forward, consumers will likely be more cautious about purchasing health supplements and will expect greater transparency and accountability from companies in ensuring product safety. The scandal surrounding Kobayashi Pharmaceutical serves as a wake-up call for the industry as a whole, highlighting the critical need for proactive measures to protect consumer health.