#Japan #Osaka #Health Issues #Penicillium

Investigation into the Blue Mold Theory in Osaka's Industrial Sector

Recent findings based on administrative documents have cast a significant shadow over the so-called blue mold theory linked to health issues related to red yeast rice products. The theory, which has been a central focus for investigators, claims that the blue mold Penicillium adametzioides present in certain industrial products is responsible for these health concerns. However, as per the latest government communications, both Osaka's city officials and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have been unable to substantiated this theory with concrete evidence.

On August 5, 2023, our company received an official notification from the Ministry concerning the disclosure of a set of administrative documents (notification No. Health Employment 0706 No. 5, dated July 6, 2023). These documents, requested under the Freedom of Information Act, focused on the identification and various tests conducted on Penicillium adametzioides related to health incidents associated with red yeast rice since March 2022.

Contents of the Disclosed Documents

The disclosed files amount to 16 separate submissions, totaling approximately 548 pages, which include:

• - Results from inspections of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's manufacturing plant.
• - Travel orders, itineraries, and reimbursement sheets.
• - Various research reports funded through the Ministry’s administrative promotion subsidies.
• - Analysis reports identifying substances causing health issues tied to supplements containing red yeast rice.
• - Minutes and materials from the first to the fifth working group meetings concerning health damage information related to red yeast rice products.

Records Deemed Non-existent

In contrast, several records were noted as not being held by the Ministry, citing section 9(2) of the Law on Public Disclosure of Information held by Administrative Organs:

• - Correspondence and meeting records between the Ministry and the National Institute of Health Sciences, including electronic communications.
• - Documentation on the acquisition of standard strains from external institutions, such as Chiba University.
• - Official confirmations and approvals regarding the identification of Penicillium adametzioides.
• - Records documenting petition responses and decision-making processes regarding the collection of samples under the Food Sanitation Act.
• - Documentation (including delivery and content) on samples or data provided voluntarily by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical.

Adding to this complexity, the Osaka public health office has repeatedly issued similar directives to the disclosure requests made by our organization, reporting no involvement in the examination of samples listed in the materials published by the Ministry of Health. The lack of independent verification records further raises questions about the integrity of the Blue Mold theory.

Our Conclusions

Based on the current administrative documents, we believe that the blue mold theory has effectively collapsed, at least from an evidential standpoint. The absence of definitive records from both the Ministry and Osaka's city officials regarding the procurement routes, decision-making processes about the identification of Penicillium, and communications with Kobayashi Pharmaceutical suggest a significant gap in substantiated findings.

What Has Been Addressed

The main assertion here is that both the Ministry and the city have not provided evidence that traverses back to the procurement, identification, and decision-making elements for Penicillium, which cannot support any claims concerning health risks purported to stem from the factory's blue mold. It is vital to clarify that the declaration of non-existence of the documents in question pertains solely to their retention records and does not offer a judgment on whether scientific knowledge exists in general.

Recent Communications by Our Company

In the past month, we have submitted a series of inquiries and requests:

• - August 22, 2023: Follow-up questions to the Osaka Health Department (response due August 27).
• - August 23, 2023: Scientific challenge letter to the Osaka Health Safety Foundation (response due September 1-2).
• - August 24, 2023: Inquiry request to the Osaka Governor (response date set for September 30).
• - August 25, 2023: Request for investigation to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (response due September 11).

About This Release

The assertion that “no documents have been created or acquired” is strictly a legal condition regarding document retention and does not address the validity of scientific knowledge in a broader context. The evaluations and interpretations presented herein reflect our company's stance, independent of the perspectives of relevant authorities.

Our company’s commitment to transparency continues as we operate our official LINE account, aimed at restoring the reputation of red yeast rice culture. We will keep our audience updated on the outcomes of our public disclosure requests and contents of administrative documents. To stay informed, kindly follow us through the provided QR code.