The FDA has amended its color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of LycoMato tomato lycopene extract as a color additive in foods. This action is in response to a Color Additive Petition (CAP) filed by LycoRed Natural Products Industries. LycoMato, a standardized tomato oleoresin, contains a high concentration of the phytochemicals lycopene partially dissolved and mostly dispersed in tomato oil and phytoene, phytofluene, carotene, tocopherols and phytosterols. The naturally derived tomato phytonutrients act synergistically, enhancing the biological activity of the lycopene. The oleoresin is used as a source of lycopene in functional foods. Lycopene is known to help prevent several forms of cancer, especially cancer of the prostate. The ruling, which became effective in August, adds LycoMato to the FDAs listing of color additives exempt from certification.