Monascus ruber (food colorant)

Synonyms

Chinese red rice;

Category

Plant & Animal Dusts/Aerosols

Sources/Uses

"Monascus is a genus of mold. Among the 24 known species of this genus, the red-pigmented Monascus purpureus is among the most important because of its use in the production of certain fermented foods in East Asia, particularly China and Japan." [Wikipedia]

Comments

Occupational asthma reported in a delicatessen plant worker handling a natural food colorant (Chinese red rice), which is produced by fungi growing in rice; The Ig-E mediated sensitization was confirmed by skin testing and bronchoprovocation testing. [Malo]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational