Preliminary Quality and Safety Evaluation of Lycopene-Based Dietary Supplements: Analysis of Active Compound Content, Microbiological Purity, and Chemical Contaminants.

Dietary supplements, especially lycopene-containing ones, are of interest because of their antioxidant and potential health-promoting effects; however, their actual composition and safety have not been sufficiently verified. This study evaluated the accuracy of labelled lycopene content and assessed selected chemical and microbiological safety parameters in commercially available products. Lycopene levels were determined spectrophotometrically and by HPLC, whereas pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological purity were analysed using validated regulatory-compliant methods. Marked inconsistencies were found between the declared and measured lycopene content, with HPLC revealing concentrations up to 70% above label claims. Methomyl (0.059 mg/kg), a pesticide not approved in the EU, was detected in one supplement, heavy metal concentrations met current regulatory limits, and other elements remained below quantification thresholds. Microbiological quality was satisfactory, with low total viable counts and absence of pathogens, yeasts, and moulds; only low levels of environmental spore-forming bacteria were detected. The findings highlight acceptable microbiological and elemental safety but reveal substantial deviations in lycopene content labelled/determined and the presence of a non-approved pesticide (however, below the MRL). A comprehensive multi-parameter quality assessment is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of lycopene supplements.