DSMs Lycopene Ingredient Gets EU Approval

KAISERAUGST, Switzerland—DSM Nutritional Products confirmed that Redivivo® Lycopene has been cleared for marketing in the EU following approval by the European Commission Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCFCAH).

After intensive work by DSM scientists and regulatory experts, and a positive safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority, approval was granted at the SCFCAH meeting held on 20th February 2009. Formal publication of the decision in the European Official Journal is expected shortly.

Redivivo® is GRAS in the U.S., and is also marketed in most countries of Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Lycopene is known as strong antioxidant. It helps to protect the body from free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and may play a role in the onset of a number of diseases. Epidemiological studies indicate association between a lycopene-rich diet and reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer.

Lycopene cannot be synthesized by humans and must be consumed from the diet.