Meat processors can use LycoRed’s tomato lycopene colorants to replace FD&C Red #40 and carmine in deli meats, sausage and hot dogs.
USDA officials have approved a five-fold increase in the level of tomato lycopene allowed as a colorant in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. Israel’s LycoRed Ltd. says this increase enables processors to use tomato lycopene colorants to effectively replace FD&C Red #40 and carmine in a wide assortment of deli meats, sausage and hot dogs.
Officials say LycoRed’s Tomat-O-Red® produces red hues similar to those from artificial and insect-based colors.