Call for Investigation into the Scientific Basis of Puberulic Acid Disclosure by Osaka Health Bureau

Investigation Request for Puberulic Acid Disclosure

On August 12, 2023, Kousei Club, led by CEO Masakazu Mori, submitted a formal request for investigation to all factions of the Osaka City Council, including the Osaka Restoration Association, Komeito, the Liberal Democratic Party, and the Japanese Communist Party. The primary focus of this inquiry is to uncover the scientific evidence that the Osaka Health Bureau relied upon when they publicly disclosed the substance known as Puberulic acid.

Background of the Issue

Since March 2024, following incidents related to red yeast rice, Osaka City and its health bureau have utilized the term "Puberulic acid" in various official communications and informational releases, notably during the third Osaka City Food Poisoning Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on May 29, 2024, and in food poisoning reports published on March 19, 2025. Kousei Club has called for transparency regarding this substance, asking the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to provide relevant documents that scientifically substantiate the presence of Puberulic acid in red yeast rice or its ingredients. However, on July 29, 2025, the Ministry responded stating that no such documents were created or held in their possession.

This leads to the essential question that Kousei Club seeks to have addressed by the city council: what scientific basis did the Osaka Health Bureau use to publicly reference Puberulic acid? Furthermore, Kousei Club has demanded that the bureau either present supporting documentation or declare its non-existence.

Request Details

The request letter directed to the political factions includes explicit guidelines, urging the council members to use their legislative powers to investigate and demand an explanation from the Osaka City authorities. The letter summarizes the key facts surrounding the matter:

1. The Osaka Health Bureau’s announcement of "Puberulic acid" as part of their public health communications post-March 2024.
2. The lack of documentary evidence confirming the inclusion of Puberulic acid in red yeast rice, as noted by the response from the Ministry of Health.

The request was accompanied by copies of the Ministry's notification regarding the unavailability of the administrative documents, reinforcing the need for scrutiny of the Health Bureau’s assertion.

Purpose of the Release

This public release is intended to inform stakeholders and the general public about the submitted investigation request, emphasizing the importance of verifying health-related statements that impact food safety and public health. The Ministry’s prior responses outline their stance regarding document availability, but the controversy surrounding red yeast rice and its effects necessitates further examination.

Kousei Club firmly believes that transparent investigations are vital to ensure public confidence in food safety regulations and health communications.

Company Overview

Company Name: Kousei Club Inc.
Representative: CEO Masakazu Mori
Address: 611-1 Maegata, Hayashima Town, Okayama Prefecture, 701-0304
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of smoked foods, including the “Kurashiki Sausage.”
Contact Information:
Phone: 086-483-0602
Email: [email protected]
Website: Kousei Club

This inquiry is not just crucial for Kousei Club but also for protecting consumer rights and ensuring that public health remains a top priority for local authorities. As debates regarding health claims continue, the importance of substantiation cannot be overstated. The forthcoming investigation results will be eagerly awaited, and as responsible citizens and consumers, vigilance is essential in holding institutions accountable.