E160D · Lycopene
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E160D?
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment found naturally in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, and is used as a natural food colorant. It is an antioxidant, and diets rich in lycopene-containing foods have been associated with cardiovascular benefits in observational studies, though evidence for the isolated additive itself is more limited. Lycopene is fat-soluble and is better absorbed when consumed with fats or after cooking. It is recognized as safe for food use by EFSA and FDA within set limits.
Also appears on labels as: Lycopene, E160d, E 160d, E-160d, INS 160d, Natural red 4, Tomato lycopene, Lycopene extract, Food color 160d, Colorant 160d, Tomato pigment, Carotenoid red pigment.
What the evidence says
- Very high intakes (mainly from concentrated supplements, not typical food-additive levels) have rarely been associated with lycopenodermia, a harmless orange-red skin discoloration.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Lycopene (E160d) – Safety Findings — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2017). Carotenoid from tomatoes; EFSA ADI 0.5 mg/kg bw/day; considered safe; high supplemental doses may affect liver enzymes.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E160D safe?
Our overall verdict for E160D (Lycopene) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E160D vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Lycopene — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E160D and why is it used?
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment found naturally in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, and is used as a natural food colorant. It is an antioxidant, and diets rich in lycopene-containing foods have been associated with cardiovascular benefits in observational studies, though evidence for the isolated additive itself is more limited. Lycopene is fat-soluble and is better absorbed when consumed with fats or after cooking. It is recognized as safe for food use by EFSA and FDA within set limits.
Does E160D contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Lycopene.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.