Lobster Tomalley

Lobster tomalley is the hepatopancreas of a lobster, a greenish-yellow substance found in the body cavity. It is essentially the lobster's liver and pancreas combined, and it has a rich, concentrated seafood flavor.

Manufacturers use lobster tomalley as a flavoring agent to impart a strong, authentic lobster taste to foods. It is commonly found in seafood-based soups, sauces, bisques, and sometimes in pasta dishes or seafood seasonings.

Lobster tomalley is not a regulated food additive in the US and does not have an FDA GRAS status or specific approval. It is a natural food product. JECFA and EFSA have not specifically evaluated tomalley as a food ingredient. Like other seafood, it can contain naturally occurring heavy metals such as cadmium, though levels vary widely depending on the environment the lobster lived in. Consumption in moderation is typical for this ingredient.