Monascus is an important invention in ancient China. Monascus was used in food and medicine in Song Dynasty, and it was recorded in Yuan Dynasty that it had medical function. For a long time, the research of most scholars at home and abroad fully shows that monascus pigment has high safety and excellent stability among all known natural pigments, and it is one of the natural pigments allowed to be used in China's food regulations. Recent studies have further confirmed the health care efficacy of monascus.

As a natural and bright colorant, it is safe and stable, and has a certain medical and health care function. It has been widely used in food (meat products, bean products, wine, fruit juice, beverages, candy, cakes), medicine, cosmetics and other industries. Especially in sausage processing industry, the effect of improving product grade is very ideal. In recent years, Japan has invented many patents on the application of monascus pigment, which is expected to open up new application fields of monascus red.

Monascus has good water solubility. The product can be dissolved in water or alcohol according to the required amount, and then added to the ingredients for coloring. The dosage can be determined according to the desired color tone. If it is dissolved with hot water at about 50℃ first, the dissolution time can be shortened. Consumption of some products (based on liquid culture): meat products, 50 ~ 500 mg/kg; Ice cream, 30 ~120mg/kg; Alcohol,15 ~150mg/kg.