EU may ban popular snacks over harmful smoke flavor additives

Smoke flavors are a modern alternative to traditional smoking, which has been used for years to preserve food products such as fish, meat, and dairy. Although these flavors do not serve a preservative function, they give foods and snacks a smoked taste when added.

European Union legislation requires that these flavors undergo a safety assessment before being marketed. Authorizations must be renewed every ten years. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-examined eight of these substances for health safety, and the results may be concerning.

Based on the available scientific evidence, officials cannot rule out genotoxic effects, which is the ability of a chemical substance to damage the genetic material of cells. Changes or mutations in the cell's genetic information can increase the risk of developing diseases such as cancer and hereditary conditions.

It is worth noting, however, that EFSA assumes worst-case scenarios. The likelihood of side effects depends on many factors, including a person's genetics and dietary habits.

After updating measurement methodologies, new studies were conducted. The new 2021 guidelines state that detecting one genotoxic component in a mixture classifies that mixture as genotoxic.

Six of the smoke flavors examined contained genotoxic substances. Scientists do not rule out similar effects for the remaining two flavors.

The European Food Safety Authority did not renew the authorizations for the tested flavors. The European Commission and EU member states must now consider the scientists' opinion.

If the Union sides with the scientists, it could mean a ban on the sale of meats, fish, cheeses, and smoked snacks containing these popular additives. The final decision will be known by the end of June 2024.