Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. has received more than 30 complaints from viewers who suffered nausea or diarrhea after trying a diet aired on one of its TV programs, the company said Monday.
TBS has urged viewers not to try the diet or to consult a doctor beforehand, and said it will investigate the cause of such symptoms.
The diet, introduced on a one-hour health information program Saturday, involves eating rice sprinkled with ground white kidney beans roasted for about three minutes, TBS said.
The network said it warned viewers during the program that eating the beans raw can cause an upset stomach and those allergic to beans should not try the diet.
TBS said it had experts supervise the dieting method, adding that a dozen staff members working on the program tried the food without encountering any problems.