The number of people who have died after taking slimming products imported from China has increased to four, according to a Kyodo News tally based on announcements by the health ministry and local governments.
Deaths linked to the products have been reported in Tokyo, Saitama, Iwate and Kyoto prefectures. A total of 171 people from 35 prefectures, most of them women, are reported to have suffered health problems after taking the slimming products, with many reporting liver and thyroid gland disorders.
The ministry warned the public on July 12 against using the Chinese diet aids Xianzhisu and Yuzhitang after officials detected the banned appetite suppressant fenfluramine in them.