The European Union has decided to phase out artificial smoke flavourings over the next two years – but it will have a significant impact on the UK’s favourite flavour of crisps and farming industry
Foodies have been left baffled after the European Union announced it will ban smokey bacon crisps – which could cause “major economic harm”.
The bizarre news comes after the adored artificial flavour was linked to potential health risks. The 27 member states approved the block at the end of April, with the smoke flavourings expected to be phased out over the next two years. Pro-EU publications stressed that the ban was not necessary, with ministers slamming the “ham-fisted move”.
The move has been viewed by some as a U-turn of the bloc’s pre-Brexit pledges. According to a European Commission report, potential cancer risks have been associated with the methods of extracting the flavour, although snack manufacturers have disputed these claims, arguing that there is no evidence that connects the process to cancer.
The ban is expected to have significant economic repercussions, particularly for the farming sector in Ireland. The flavour is popular on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the Irish farming sector could face a £26billion impact as a result of the ban. The Kerry Group, a major player in the Irish food industry, warned that the decision could cause severe issues, with up to 40 percent of the ham and bacon sold in Ireland relying on the disputed flavouring method, reports Express.
Ex-Tory Minister Kevin Foster criticised the move, telling The Sun: “At a time when war is returning to Europe and serious economic challenges face us all, it is hard to believe anyone would think this ham-fisted move is a sensible one. This will leave many scratching their heads.”
The decision has also drawn warnings from prominent Brexit campaigners, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who previously cautioned that Brussels bureaucrats might target other popular crisp flavours like prawn cocktail next. Research by Perspectus Global highlighted the popularity of Bacon Frazzles, ranking them as the seventh most popular savoury snack among Britons.
Perspectus Global spokesperson Ellie Glason said: “Brits are a nation of crisp lovers, so we thought it would be interesting to see which brands and flavours we love the most. It’s great to see that while more modern snacks such as Pringles and Doritos are popular, we clearly still love many of our childhood favourites.” As the EU moves forward with its ban on smoky bacon crisps, the decision has sparked controversy and concern, leaving many in the UK and Ireland questioning the rationale behind such a significant change to their favourite snacks.