Color Additive · CAS 502-65-8 · EU E160d
Lycopene
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Lycopene is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #231 of 417.
- #231 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Lycopene is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #231 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (44th percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #231 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Lycopene: 11 tracked U.S. products (moderate band, #231 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 11 · #231 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E160d | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 502-65-8 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Lycopene?
Natural red pigment from tomatoes.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Powerful antioxidant.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a moderate OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (11 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lycopene safe to consume?
Lycopene scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a moderate additive (11 tracked products, #231 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Lycopene used for in food?
Lycopene shows up as Sauces, ketchup, beverages in the Color Additive class, and the OFF sample puts it in the moderate footprint band (11 products).
Where does Lycopene sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #231 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Lycopene?
The FDA classifies Lycopene as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E160d). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Lycopene?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Lycopene: Safe. Powerful antioxidant.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.