Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. said Friday it is looking into 76 more deaths linked to the consumption of its red yeast rice dietary supplements.

The Japanese drugmaker said in March that five people had died after taking the "beni-koji choleste help" supplements, and recalled the products. But on Friday it corrected the figure to four, saying one did not use the supplements.

The health ministry separately said bereaved families contacted Kobayashi Pharmaceutical about the new cases, and that the ministry will proceed with further analysis.

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Keizo Takemi revealed the company has failed to report to the government appropriately.

"It is extremely regrettable. The investigation of fatal cases cannot be left to Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, and the ministry will directly manage it," Takemi told reporters.

==Kyodo

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