Salsa: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the edible fruit of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, a member of the nightshade family. Although botanically a fruit, they are commonly used as a vegetable in cooking.

In packaged foods, tomatoes are widely used for their flavor, color, and texture. They form the base for many sauces, soups, and purees, and are often found in canned goods, frozen meals, and condiments like salsa and ketchup.

Tomatoes are a whole food ingredient and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They are a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as lycopene. There are no known adverse health effects at typical consumption levels, and they are considered a healthy part of a balanced diet. JECFA and EFSA do not typically evaluate whole foods like tomatoes as food additives.