LycoRed gains GRAS for tomato powder
powder has been self-affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As
Safe) by an independent panel, paving the way for its use in
functional foods.
The company has been supplying the dietary supplement market for some time with its lycopene-rich oleoresin but use of its powder could significantly expand sales to a number of new categories.
LycoMato Powder contains the potent antioxidant lycopene as well as other beneficial tomato nutrients such as other carotenoids and tocopherols. These phytonutrients are thought to act in synergy with lycopene, and could help support cardiovascular and prostate health and prevention of DNA damage.
The ingredient, developed specifically for use in certain foods, can also be used as a natural red colorant in a variety of products such as soy meat substitute products, pasta, cereals and smoothie drinks.
Dr Zohar Nir, vice president of marketing at LycoRed, noted that the fortification of foods with tomato lycopene could "greatly contribute to the appeal of otherwise ordinary food products".
LycoRed claims that the ingredient is the only natural tomato lycopene available for use in food.
