THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
March 25, 2024 at 18:21 JST
The sparkling sake Shochikubai Shirakabegura Mio Premium Rose was recalled after reported health problems associated with its coloring. (Provided by Takara Shuzo Co.)
Nearly 100,000 bottles of sparkling sake are being pulled from shelves due to a risk of kidney damage linked to the beverage’s alluring pink color.
Takara Shuzo Co. announced the recall of about 18,000 750-milliliter bottles and 78,000 300-ml bottles of Mio Premium Rose on March 23.
The sparkling sake’s fetching rose hue comes from benikoji malted grain, which was recalled by its manufacturer, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., the day before.
Although no health problems have been reported with Mio Premium Rose since it was launched in January, Takara Shuzo is withdrawing the sake at the request of the pharmaceutical company.
Consumers can inquire about the recall or report health problems by calling the liquor company at 0120-222-501.
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical has recalled 300,000 units of its five products containing benikoji, including the Benikoji Coleste Help supplement, following reports of health problems.
According to the company, 26 people have been hospitalized for kidney problems after consuming a product containing benikoji.
Eighty percent of the benikoji produced was sold to about 50 trading houses, food producers and other businesses.
They include Fukuoka-based food seller Zero Plus Co., which recalled its cheese-flavored rice cracker containing benikoji on March 22.
The product was released on March 15 and about 700 bags have been sold in the Tohoku, Kansai and Kyushu regions, according to the company. No health problems have been reported so far.
(This article was written by Nanami Watanabe and Yusuke Ogawa.)
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