About
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated whole-food ingredient produced by cooking ripe tomatoes, removing seeds and skins, and reducing the liquid until a minimum of 24–25% total soluble solids (TSS) are achieved. It is widely used in culinary applications to contribute rich tomato flavour, natural red colour, and umami depth to sauces, soups, and processed foods.
Safety summary
Tomato paste is broadly recognised as safe across all major regulatory jurisdictions, with no established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limit. It is a concentrated source of the antioxidant carotenoid lycopene, which is associated with reduced risk of certain cancers (notably prostate cancer) and cardiovascular disease. Individuals with acid-sensitive gastrointestinal conditions or sodium-restricted diets should exercise caution with commercial preparations that are naturally acidic or contain added salt.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Recognised as a conventional food ingredient under FSANZ food standards. Safety assessment by FSANZ covers any food additives present in the product, not tomato paste itself. No restrictions on plain tomato paste.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Tomato paste is a conventional food ingredient in the EU, regulated under general food law (Regulation EC 178/2002) and consistent with Codex Stan 57-1981 for processed tomato concentrates. No specific EFSA food additive assessment is required; no ADI established.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Regulated under FSSAI Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations 2011, Chapter 2.3 (Fruit & Vegetable Products). Defined as an unfermented thermally processed product obtained by concentrating juice of sound ripe tomatoes; minimum 25% total soluble solids (TSS) required. May contain salt and permitted food additives under Appendix A.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Standardised food under 21 CFR Part 155.191 (Canned Tomato Paste). Defined as the food prepared from the liquid extracted from mature tomatoes and concentrated to not less than 24% salt-free tomato solids. Regulated as a conventional food, not a food additive; no ADI applies. |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 155.191 – Canned Tomato Paste. accessdata.fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 – Chapter 2.3: Fruit and Vegetable Products, 2011. fssai.gov.in
- 3PubMed. An Update on the Health Effects of Tomato Lycopene, 2010. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4PubMed. Tomato lycopene and its role in human health and chronic diseases, 2000. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Lycopene is more bioavailable from tomato paste than from fresh tomatoes, 1997. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov