12 October 2007 - P.L. Thomas, a New Jersey-based ingredient supplier, claims that a natural red colouring with lycopene made from non-GMO tomatoes manufactured by its Israeli partner LycoRed, could be the answer for food manufacturers who are seeking natural alternatives to artificial colours.
Artificuial food colourings have recently made it to the media spotlight as studies indicate they can cause hyperactivity in children.
The New-Jersey firm believes that US distributors of natural food colourings, such as lycopene, are preparing to meet an increased demand for their products.
Paula Nürnberger, marketing manager for P.L. Thomas says: “With all of the increased scrutiny on artificial food additives, we anticipate a dramatically increased demand for Tomat-O-Red® from LycoRed, a natural red coloring with lycopene made from non-GMO tomatoes. FDA approved Tomat-O-Red®, natural tomato lycopene, as a food coloring in 2006“.
Lycored describes Tomat-O-Red® as a product that delivers all the antioxidant health benefits that research is attributing to tomato lycopene. This ingredient is ideal for many uses because it is vegetarian and Kosher-certified, and is heat- and pH-stable.
In November 2006, FLEXNEWS reported that P.L. Thomas was appointed as the supplier for LycoRed's natural colorant line to food and beverage companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.