- EU set to phase out artificial smoke flavors over next two years
Northern Ireland crisp makers face an EU ban on smoked flavorings due to post-Brexit trade deals, potentially creating a “smoked bacon border” with Britain.
The European Union is set to phase out artificial smoke flavorings over the next two years after its food safety authority said concerns about toxicity were “confirmed or cannot be ruled out.”
Brussels has not renewed marketing authorizations following a recent report by the European Commission, which stated that artificial smoke flavors “carry risks of cancer due to the way in which the flavor is extracted.”
Under the Brexit deal known as the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules and has access to the single market to avoid a “hard border” with the Republic of Ireland.
This means snack makers such as crunchy giant Tayto would have to stop using the affected smoke flavorings in their Northern Ireland factories.
Snack makers such as crisp giant Tayto could be forced to stop using affected smoke flavorings in their Northern Ireland factories.
File image shows a sign reading “No borders in the Irish Sea” in the port of Larne, Northern Ireland.
However, Tayto Group and other manufacturers in England, Scotland and Wales could still use smoky flavours, such as those found in barbecue chips.
DUP peer Lord Dodds said The Telegraph: “It is another reason why EU legislation in Northern Ireland has to go hand in hand with the Irish maritime border it creates.”
He added: “EU dictates are reaching into every aspect of daily life, causing competitive disadvantages for NI manufacturing in its largest market.”
Tayto Group Limited is the largest British-owned manufacturer of crisps and snacks, producing more than five million packets a day at its five UK factories, including ‘Tayto Castle’ in Tandragee.
It is separate from Irish-owned Tayto Snacks, which sells crisps throughout the Republic of Ireland, while the Co. Armagh-based manufacturer sells its products throughout the North and the rest of the UK.
Irish manufacturers are also against the ban: up to 40 percent of ham and bacon are sold in the country. reported depend on the flavor extraction method.
Food manufacturers the Kerry Group have reportedly lobbied the government claiming the ban could cause “significant economic harm”.
Tayto Group Ltd is the largest British-owned crisp and snack manufacturer, producing more than five million packets a day across its five UK factories, including its original headquarters in Co Armagh.
The European Commission report states that cancer risks have been associated with the way smoke is purified and the removal of tar and ash before adding flavorings to food.
However, manufacturers have disputed these claims, citing a lack of evidence.
In a statement following the April report, the EU Commission said that EU Member States had “supported a Commission proposal not to renew the authorization of eight smoke flavorings for food.”
“After a phase-out period, these flavorings will no longer be allowed to be used in the EU,” they said.
Brexit supporters have long criticized the EU for its “precautionary principle” on health warnings, which they say may be overly cautious and ignore potential health benefits.
Brussels says the phase-out period is designed to limit economic damage to manufacturers and allow them to develop alternatives.
It is unclear whether Tayto Group Ltd uses the affected flavors in Northern Ireland and the company has been contacted for comment.