19 Jul 2012 --- Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese food product which has been a dietary staple in many Asian countries for centuries. It is produced by the fermentation of “red yeast” (Monascus purpureus) on a substrate of pre-cooked rice. Monacolin K is assumed to be the main active compound of red yeast rice involved in blood LDL cholesterol maintenance (EFSA journal, 2011a).

Sylvan Bio in partnership with Gee Lawson has developed a high quality Organic European Red Yeast Rice powder. The product is produced in a pharmaceutical grade facility from guaranteed Non-GMO European Organic rice and pure quality certified inoculum in Europe under sterile conditions. Class 100 clean room facilities are used to transfer the inoculated substrate to specialised bags for fermentation. The product is then dried, sterilised in accordance with EU food regulations and milled to specification. Each batch is analysed by accredited laboratories in order to guarantee quality compliance. Production batches are uniquely identified and batch identity is preserved throughout all the processes in order to guarantee full traceability. This is the first time material has been manufactured in the UK and gives a distinct advantage to users against the traditional methods from the Far East. With the Claims Directive now in place the partnership believe it is an ideal time for both food manufacturers and supplement brands to offer the consumer quality ingredients to meet health claims.

Current production batches are under manufacture and will be available from September 2012.
Most red yeast rice comes to the market from China. Since both the inoculum and production facilities of our red yeast rice are located in Europe, Gee Lawson is able to confirm the total traceability and conditions of manufacture.

Developments are in place to further position this product later this year in order to capture the changing market place under the Health Regulations

Sylvan Bio is a specialist in producing a wide variety of fungal cells using solid-substrate fermentation technology. Sylvan currently produces a variety of products for use in agricultural and food applications. Their capabilities include the production of both mycelial based products and the concentration of fungal spores.

Gee Lawson is a Nutraceutical raw material distributor with special focus on quality assurance, market information, technical knowledge and customer support. Many of the products offered come from leading brands that provide science and research as an added value to the customer’s finished product. Gee Lawson is the sole EU distributor of the Organic European Red Yeast Rice.