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E160d – Lycopene: Food Colorant Explained

E160d is the EU food additive code for lycopene, a natural red pigment found in tomatoes. It is used as a colorant in food products and is considered safe for consumption.

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Things worth knowing about "E160d"

E160d is the EU food additive code for lycopene, a natural red pigment found in tomatoes. It is used as a colorant in food products and is considered safe for consumption.

What is E160d?

E160d is the official European Union designation for lycopene, a naturally occurring pigment belonging to the carotenoid family. Lycopene is responsible for the characteristic red color of tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, and other fruits and vegetables. As an approved food additive, E160d is used to give foods a red to orange-red color.

Origin and Production

Lycopene is primarily extracted from tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), although it can also be sourced from other lycopene-rich plants such as watermelon or guava. For use as a food colorant, lycopene is typically obtained through solvent extraction from tomato paste or tomato skins, followed by purification. Synthetically produced lycopene is also permitted under the E160d designation.

Use in Food Products

E160d is used as a colorant in a wide range of food products, including:

Soft drinks and fruit juices
Confectionery and bakery products
Sauces and dressings
Soups and ready-made meals
Dietary supplements

In the EU, E160d is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The permitted maximum levels vary depending on the food category.

Chemical Properties

Lycopene is a tetraterpene carotenoid with the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₆. It belongs to the group of acyclic carotenoids and has an extensive conjugated double bond system, which is responsible for its intense red color and its potent antioxidant properties. Lycopene is fat-soluble and therefore best absorbed by the body in the presence of dietary fat.

Health Aspects

Lycopene is considered one of the most potent natural antioxidants. Various scientific studies suggest that a lycopene-rich diet may be associated with a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and specific types of cancer. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has noted that sufficient scientific evidence for specific health claims related to lycopene has not yet been established.

As a food additive, E160d is classified as safe by EFSA. An acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been set at 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

Tolerability and Safety

E160d is well tolerated by the vast majority of the population. Adverse effects are rare. In cases of very high consumption of lycopene-containing foods or dietary supplements, a reversible orange-red discoloration of the skin -- known as lycopenemia -- may occasionally occur. This is harmless and resolves when intake is reduced. Individuals taking certain medications should consult a healthcare professional before using high-dose lycopene supplements.

Labeling

In the ingredient list of food products, the substance is declared either as E160d or by its name lycopene. Consumers can identify it on packaged goods using either designation.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of lycopene as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2008.
European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
Giovannucci E.: Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1999.

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