Worldwide ingredients and functional foods supplier LycoRed has received official approval for the use of its natural tomato lycopene as a food colouring.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's Tomat-O-Red product, which means LycoRed can now market natural lycopene as a food and drink colourant.

The product provides various shades of red and, unlike rivals, is ready to use and highly stable under a wide range of temperatures, claims the company. Furthermore, the colour does not shift with changes in pH.

Tomat-O-Red is produced with lycopene extracted from non genetically modified tomatoes. It is available as a liquid dispersion or a cold water dispersable powder and can be used in a variety of applications, including drinks, dairy products, confectionery and baked goods.

"We anticipate significant share in the red food colourant market," says LycoRed chief executive Morris Zelkha. "This FDA approval opens an additional marketing channel in the USA and creates new business opportunities."

LycoRed claims that its colouring offers health benefits because it is derived from tomato lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with particular benefits to prostate and cardiovascular health. Clinical studies also show that tomato lycopene helps prevent DNA and cellular damage, adds the company.

Contact: LycoRed, Tel: 01634 297 171