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Update Date: 2010/09/22 04:11 [Reporter Wang Changmin / Taipei Report]
In recent years, red yeast rice products touted for their health benefits have surged in popularity. However, improper storage may lead to the growth of citrinin, a toxin harmful to the liver and kidneys, turning a health boost into a health hazard. The Department of Health released the latest inspection results, revealing that out of 14 commercially available red yeast rice samples tested, four exceeded the citrinin limit by two to three times, prompting public awareness.
**Best to Buy Vacuum-Packed Grains and Rice**
According to the Department of Health's "Maximum Levels of Mycotoxins in Foods" standard, the citrinin limit for red yeast rice raw materials is 5 ppm. Among the four non-compliant samples, three were from Taipei City and one from Tainan County, with citrinin concentrations ranging from 10.2 to 14.5 ppm. Local health bureaus are investigating the upstream supply sources.
The Department of Health tested a total of 117 food items, including 20 rice and wheat products, 19 coffee beans, 18 apple juice beverages, 13 red yeast rice samples, nine processed foods made from red yeast rice, 10 infant formula products, nine follow-up formula products for older infants, and 19 complementary baby foods primarily composed of edible grains and legumes.
The tests covered three types of mycotoxins: ochratoxin A, patulin, and citrinin. Ultimately, only four red yeast rice samples were found to exceed the citrinin limit, while no violations were detected in processed red yeast rice products.
The Department of Health noted that citrinin is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Consumers purchasing red yeast rice products should opt for reputable brands to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
Doctors advise that foods like red yeast rice and other whole grains are best purchased in vacuum-sealed packaging. Leftovers should be refrigerated to prevent toxin growth. To minimize mycotoxin intake from food, it is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables, whole grains, wheat, and rice.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 100922/ 78/ 2dj5g. html
14 Red Yeast Rice Samples, 4 Exceed Citrinin Limits
In recent years, red yeast rice products touted for their health benefits have surged in popularity. However, improper storage may lead to the growth of citrinin, a toxin harmful to the liver and kidneys, turning a health boost into a health hazard. The Department of Health released the latest inspection results, revealing that out of 14 commercially available red yeast rice samples tested, four exceeded the citrinin limit by two to three times, prompting public awareness.
**Best to Buy Vacuum-Packed Grains and Rice**
According to the Department of Health's "Maximum Levels of Mycotoxins in Foods" standard, the citrinin limit for red yeast rice raw materials is 5 ppm. Among the four non-compliant samples, three were from Taipei City and one from Tainan County, with citrinin concentrations ranging from 10.2 to 14.5 ppm. Local health bureaus are investigating the upstream supply sources.
The Department of Health tested a total of 117 food items, including 20 rice and wheat products, 19 coffee beans, 18 apple juice beverages, 13 red yeast rice samples, nine processed foods made from red yeast rice, 10 infant formula products, nine follow-up formula products for older infants, and 19 complementary baby foods primarily composed of edible grains and legumes.
The tests covered three types of mycotoxins: ochratoxin A, patulin, and citrinin. Ultimately, only four red yeast rice samples were found to exceed the citrinin limit, while no violations were detected in processed red yeast rice products.
The Department of Health noted that citrinin is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Consumers purchasing red yeast rice products should opt for reputable brands to ensure the safety of themselves and their families.
Doctors advise that foods like red yeast rice and other whole grains are best purchased in vacuum-sealed packaging. Leftovers should be refrigerated to prevent toxin growth. To minimize mycotoxin intake from food, it is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables, whole grains, wheat, and rice.
Source: http:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ art……url/ d/ a/ 100922/ 78/ 2dj5g. html