Tomato Ketchup

Tomato ketchup is a sauce made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. The tomatoes are cooked, strained to remove skins and seeds, and then combined with the other ingredients. The mixture is then cooked further until thickened.

Ketchup is used as a condiment and flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods. Manufacturers add it to provide a sweet and tangy taste, and its acidity can also act as a mild preservative. It is commonly found in products like french fries, burgers, hot dogs, and as an ingredient in sauces and marinades.

Tomato ketchup is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. The primary health considerations relate to its sugar and sodium content, which can be high in some commercial varieties. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting intake of free sugars and sodium as part of a healthy diet. JECFA has evaluated ingredients commonly found in ketchup, such as citric acid and sodium benzoate, and established acceptable daily intakes.