The EU is set to ban several smoke flavourings commonly used in meat and cheese products, leading to the innovation of natural alternatives.
The ban has been placed because the ingredients used to create these flavours have been linked to genotoxicity and other health concerns. The phasing out of these artificial flavourings will force food manufacturers to pursue alternatives.
Smoking has traditionally been used to help preserve food while also changing its flavour. Smokey flavours are sought after within the industry, but because the process is time-consuming and resource-consuming, brands opt for artificial flavouring instead.
Several industry giants, such as Unilever, will be affected by the incoming regulation and will be forced to find alternative solutions. Unilever’s European sausage brand Unox, which produces 16 million products annually, uses the now-banned flavourings.
This will push the company to find new innovative solutions to remain on the market before the end of the phase-out period.
Based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority, these flavourings will no longer be permitted for use in the EU due to health concerns. This assessment concluded that genotoxicity concerns are “confirmed or cannot be ruled" out for all eight smoke flavourings assessed.
Changes or mutations to the genetic information within a cell have been found to increase the risk of cancer, infertility, and inherited diseases.
The EU has established two phase-out periods that vary depending on the producer and the manufactured item. When used to replace traditional smoking, such as ham and cheese, the phase-out period is five years.
The phase-out period is two years for items that add smoke flavouring for additional flavours, such as sauce and chips.
Sensient Flavours & Extracts Europe anticipated banning smoke flavours, launching a SmokeLess Smoke range in early 2024. This range was a natural and clean alternative for popular flavours and met natural, vegan, non-GMO, Halal and Kosher claims.
Sensient Flavours & Extracts Europe and other smoke-free manufacturers are expected to expand their business due to the new restrictions.
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