Japanese question EFSA lycopene levels

The Japanese Tomato Processors Council (JTPC) has challenged the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Average Daily Intake for lycopene.

The level of 0.5mg per kg of body weight per day was proposed by EFSA earlier in the year.

The JTPC said the level, which accounts for both synthetic and Blakeslea trispora- derived lycopene, but also that derived from tomatoes, should be reviewed. Blakeslea trispora is a fungus.

The JTPC comments were delivered to the World Tomato Processing Council from which it is awaiting a response along with EFSA.