Crisp fans have been left devastated after the European Union announced it will ban smoky bacon crisps 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 method for adding smoke flavourings to crisps, sauces, soups or snacks to be phased out over the next two years. The move to ban certain types of smoke flavouring added to ham, rashers and smoky bacon crisps was taken after the EU food safety authority concluded toxicity concerns about the flavourings were “either confirmed or can’t be ruled out”.
According to a European Commission report, potential cancer risks have been associated with the methods of extracting the flavour, which involves purifying smoke and removing harmful components such as tar and ash, before the flavouring is added to food. However, snack manufacturers have disputed these claims, arguing that there is no evidence that connects the process to cancer.
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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 €30 billion impact as a result of the ban. Irish company Kerry Group, one of the big players in the smoked flavouring market, warned that the decision could cause severe issues, with up to 40 per cent of the ham and bacon sold in Ireland relying on the disputed flavouring method, reports the Express.
British Conservative MP 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.”
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