September 18, 2024, according to Japanese media news, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on KOBAYASHI PHARMACEUTICAL's health products containing monascus ingredients led to consumer health damage, said it has confirmed that the detection of "Puberulic Acid" in the problematic raw materials is the cause of health damage. Puberulic Acid is a natural compound produced by Penicillium.

KOBAYASHI PHARMACEUTICAL had previously reported to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare that Puberulic Acid had been detected in the raw material of monascus produced at its Osaka plant in September last year.