#Japan #Osaka #Kunsei Club #Osaka Governor #Puberulus Acid

Inquiry into the Scientific Validity of Fungus Testing

On August 23, 2023, the Kunsei Club, a company based in Hayashima, Okayama Prefecture, sent an official inquiry letter addressed to the Governor of Osaka, Hirofumi Yoshimura. The letter pertains to the judgment regarding the production of Puberulus acid by fungi, an issue raised by the Osaka Health and Safety Foundation (commonly referred to as '大安研'). This inquiry focuses on whether the positive and negative results reported in the test are based on actual measurements of each fungal strain or merely inferred from estimated taxonomic identifications.

Background of the Inquiry

Kunsei Club had previously submitted a document questioning the scientific validity of certain results to 大安研 on August 23, 2023, with a deadline for a response by September 11, 2023. The test in question was reported to the Director of the Osaka City Health Bureau on December 4, 2024, concerning testing order number R6-1007. This test was significant as it explicitly identified a species producing Puberulus acid, documenting either a positive identification (specifically, Penicillium adametzioides) or a negative result for various samples.

The accompanying list in the notification specifies that all strains marked as P. adametzioides were rated positive, while all other fungi were considered negative, clearly establishing a direct correlation between species identification and the production capability. Interestingly, many strains with empty identification columns were also rated negative.

If each strain's Puberulus production was genuinely measured, variability in results among strains of the same species is expected. In cases where strains have not gone through identification, the rationale for labeling these as negative is questionable.

Purpose of the Inquiry to the Governor

Given that the 大安研 is a local independent administrative organization co-established by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, Governor Yoshimura is a key figure in this entity. The inquiry is not aimed at questioning the city’s administration but rather at checking the scientific processes that led to the classification of Puberulus acid-producing fungi within the operations of the inspection body established by the prefecture.

Key Points of Inquiry

1. Can it be confirmed whether the classifications of Puberulus acid-producing fungi as 'positive' or 'negative' were based on cultivated results and direct measurement or were they inferred from species identification?
2. If actual measurements were taken, what analytical methods were applied? Furthermore, what were the sources of the Puberulus acid standards, the dates they were received, and what comparative data, such as chromatograms or primary data records, were maintained?
3. If no actual measurements were conducted, was it appropriate for the inspection body to replace measured findings with species identification in making determinations?
4. Were there any communications or reports from 大安研 to Osaka City regarding this test result before December 4, 2024, and what records exist concerning these?
5. Is the seven and a half month duration between the test order and the result notification reasonable in terms of procedural efficiency?

Context and Relevance of Test Results

Recent responses to public information requests made by the company reveal various conclusions from relevant administrative bodies. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has confirmed that no scientific evidence exists showing that Puberulus acid is found in red yeast rice. Additionally, Osaka City has stated that no independent verification was performed, nor is there any record of communications pertaining to the verification results or decisions.

Thus, it follows that the positive declaration made by 大安研 in their communication is significant, as it is one of the few instances within documented responses indicating a positive determination regarding Puberulus acid-producing fungi. Confirming the scientific processes behind this judgment is critical for the stakeholders involved.

Future Plans

The deadline for the response to the scientific inquiry made to 大安研 is set for September 11, 2023, while the response to the inquiry directed at the Governor is expected by September 30, 2023. Once received, we will promptly disclose the contents of these responses.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Kunsei Club
• - Location: 611-1 Maegata, Hayashima Town, Tsukubo District, Okayama Prefecture, 701-0303, Japan
• - CEO: Masaki Mori (Pharmacist)
• - Business Scope: Production and sales of smoked foods
• - Brands: Kurashiki Sausage, Kurashiki Hanazakura Ham
• - Contact: +81 86-483-0602, [email protected]
• - Related Information: Red Yeast Information