EFSA: can the use of smoke flavors involve health risks, can several products disappear?

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 06. 17. 14:01

Based on a recent report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission has decided to withdraw artificial smoke flavors from the market, as they may pose significant health risks. The ban also covers popular foods such as meat products and cheeses that contain smoke flavoring.

According to EFSA research, certain smoke flavors, such as SF-001, SF-002 and SF-003, have a potentially genotoxic effect, which can have a harmful effect on consumers’ DNA. According to the Nébih list sent to Pénzcentrum, the list of aromas to be banned is as follows: Scansmoke PB 1110 (SF-009), Zesti Smoke Code 10 (SF-006) and Smoke Concentrate 809045 (SF-004), as well as five other aromas. Products coded SF-007 and SF-010 are no longer in circulation, so they are not affected by this regulation.

Manufacturers have five years to find alternative solutions before the regulations, which take effect from July 2023, completely remove smoke flavorings from the market. Affected products include staple foods such as certain cheeses and meat products, as well as snacks and convenience foods.