The beloved smoky-flavored crisps, known for their distinctive jamón/ham taste, might soon be facing extinction. The European Union (EU) is finalizing new regulations that could either remove these snacks from the market or force manufacturers to alter their production methods. The move comes after concerns that artificial smoke flavorings could pose health risks, including cancer.

Concerns Over Artificial Smoke Flavorings

The controversy began in 2023 when the European Commission tasked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with evaluating eight smoke flavorings for their genotoxicity, or potential to damage genetic material. The investigation revealed troubling results: six of the eight flavorings were found to contain substances that could harm human DNA and potentially lead to cancer.

The New Regulations

In April 2024, the EU voted to ban the use of these eight artificial smoke flavorings across member states. This decision, effective from July 2024, will enforce a transition period of two to five years, allowing companies to either reformulate their products or withdraw them from the market. Notably, traditional smoking methods, such as those used for smoked salmon, are not affected by this regulation.

Products Affected

The affected flavorings include:

Scansmoke PB 1110 (SF-001)
Zesti Smoke Code 10 (SF-002)
Smoke Concentrate 809045 (SF-003)
Scansmoke SEF 7525 (SF-004)
SmokEz C-10 (SF005)
SmokEz Enviro-23 (SF-006)
proFagus-Smoke R709 (SF-008)
Fumokomp Conc.(SF009

These additives are used not only in crisps but also in meats, cheeses, and soups to impart a smoky flavor without traditional smoking.

Health Risks and Regulatory Measures

The EFSA’s research highlighted that six of the eight smoke flavorings could be genotoxic, meaning they may cause cancer by damaging DNA. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of chemicals that are formed when organic materials like wood or coal are burned. They are created during the incomplete burning of these materials, meaning that not all of the carbon is fully burned. Despite the ban being a step forward in food safety, food advocacy groups like foodwatch argue that more needs to be done to protect consumers from harmful additives.

Why Are PAHs a Concern?

PAHs are known to be harmful because they can cause cancer. When PAHs enter the body, they can damage cells and DNA, which may lead to cancer over time. This is why they are a significant concern in smoke flavorings used in food products.

In the case of artificial smoke flavorings, PAHs can be present because these flavorings are made to mimic the taste of smoke without actual burning. Even though the smoke is not real, the PAHs produced during the creation of these flavorings can still be harmful.

Need for Transparency and Stricter Regulations

Foodwatch has called for greater transparency in food labeling. Currently, smoke flavorings are often listed generically on ingredient labels, making it difficult for consumers to know which specific additives are used. The organization advocates for a more efficient and protective system for food additives, including stricter bans on potentially harmful substances and clearer labeling requirements.

Looking Ahead

As the EU moves forward with its new regulations, the focus will be on ensuring that food products are safe and transparent. The aim is to safeguard public health while providing consumers with clear information about the ingredients in their food. The changes may significantly impact how processed foods are produced and labeled across Europe.

What do you think of these changes?

Let us know what you think in the comments…

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