NO - Besoin d'assistance

Introduction
The European Commission Concerted Action FAIR CT97-3233 was set up in 1997 following
the publication of several scientific papers showing a possible role of lycopene in the
prevention of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies
showed that these risks increased with low tomato consumption, the main source of lycopene.
A consortium of 15 tomato research institutes and tomato processors from all around Europe
was formed, with funding from the European Commission within the framework of the FAIR
RTD programme, to review the scientific literature available in order to produce a "white
book" on the antioxidants in tomatoes and tomato products. This data would help the industry
improve the nutritional quality of the tomato-based products and the scientists to understand
better the relationship between nutrition and health.
The researchers were organised into 4 working group to study different aspects:
• Working Group 1 : Composition of tomatoes and tomato products in antioxidants
(methods of analysis; breeding and biotechnology to increase the antioxidant content;
evolution of the composition during ripening and storage), chaired by Dr. Pascal Grolier
(INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, France)
• Working Group 2 : Processing and bioavailability (effects of mechanical and thermal
treatments and storage conditions on the antioxidants content and their bioavailability),
chaired by Dr. Carlo Leoni (SSICA, Italy)
• Working Group 3 : Epidemiological observational studies (protection offered by
antioxidants on cardiovascular diseases, cancer and ageing), chaired by Dr. Mariette Gerber
(INSERM-CRLC, Montpellier, France)
• Working Group 4 : Mechanisms and biomarkers (mechanisms involved in the
protection and biomarkers), chaired by Prof. Rod Bilton (Liverpool John Moores University,
UK).
Project management and co-ordination were provided by Prof. Gérard Bartholin (CTCPA,
Avignon, France), Mr. Bernard Bièche & Mrs Sophie Colvine (AMITOM, Avignon, France).