Japanese drug maker Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is calling on people in China to stop ingesting its health supplements containing "beni-koji," or red yeast rice. The company has suspended sales of the supplements in China and plans to voluntarily recall them.

Some of the products in question are being sold online in China.

The move comes after the revelation that some people in Japan have developed kidney disease or other health issues after consuming the products.

The company's health supplements and healthcare products are well-known in China. Chinese state media have been reporting the issue frequently. The issue is also drawing much attention on local social media.

In Taiwan, authorities have instructed local companies to recall the products. More than 30 food makers are doing so in line with the instructions.