A chip flavor beloved by Britons is set to be banned across much of Europe after researchers raised health concerns. Already, the news has shocked and concerned fans of the popular snack.
The chip flavor facing the ban is smoky bacon, after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) raised the alarm over potential health concerns. This flavor has been a staple of brands such as Frazzles and Walkers.
Who Will Be Hit By The Ban?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) who issued the smoky bacon warning has authority only over European Union (EU) states and Northern Ireland. For this reason, those in mainland Britain alarmed by news of a ban can take a breath – there are currently no plans for the flavor to leave the island any time soon.
However, Britons holidaying in Europe will soon have to prepare to be unable to find their go-to snack when they arrive. The ban is set to be gradually rolled out in all EU states across the coming years.
Why Were These Chips Deemed Dangerous?
The artificial smoky bacon flavor is obtained via the process of pyrolysis, which creates a tasty liquid smoke that can be added to food. However, the pyrolysis process for the smoky bacon flavor has now sparked concern.
The EFSA has now linked the smoky flavor to genotoxicity (a chemical’s ability to damage cells). As a result, it is feared that the flavor could cause mutations within cells that damage the cell and increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.
News of a Ban Met With Anger
The European Commission have assured the public that the ban is based on “scientific assessments”. However, snack manufacturers have argued that there still isn’t enough evidence to justify the ban.
Already the ban has caught the attention of some politicians and commentators. Jim Allister, a right-wing Northern Ireland politician, condemned the ban as “EU madness”. Some on social media mocked Allister for focusing on what they saw as a “trivial” issue.
A Different Set of Rules For Northern Ireland
However, Mr Allister is at least correct to say that smoky bacon chips won’t enjoy the same immunity to EU restrictions that the rest of the UK does. The reason for this is due to legislation adopted in 2023 known as The Windsor Framework.
Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to enjoy access to the EU single market – a privilege not enjoyed by the rest of the UK. In exchange, they are expected to follow a number of EU rules, such as the smoky flavor ban.
Walkers Hurt by Ban But Will Remain Successful
Walkers, the UK’s leading manufacturer of the product, will undoubtedly be disappointed by the news that they soon will not be able to sell their popular chip flavor in Europe. However, the brand is not likely to face serious financial trouble from this news.
Firstly, Walkers other popular flavors – cheese and onion, ready salted, and salt and vinegar, among them – are not subject to the new ban. Moreover, the UK government has made no plans to follow suit in banning smoky bacon chips in mainland Britain – allowing Walkers’ sales on the island to continue undisturbed.
Ban Will Impact More Than Just Crisps
However, the new ban will not just impact chips, but all products that rely on the artificial smoky bacon flavor that has now been deemed dangerous. This could mean certain barbecue sauces, meats and cheeses could be taken off European shelves.
However, concerned companies will be given a lot of time to find new alternatives before their products are banned. For foods where the smoky flavoring is added for extra flavor, a two-year phase-out period will be granted. While for products like hams, fish and cheese – where the artificial flavor is used to replace traditional smoking – a generous five-year phase-out period will be allowed.
Banned Flavor Have Proven Popular in Britain
Smoky bacon chips, from a variety of brands, have long been a snacking favorite in the UK – a country where the average person eats a pack of chips every day. A 2020 found Bacon Frazzles to be among the top 10 most popular options.
Given that the same 2020 survey found Belfast, Northern Ireland, to be Britain’s ‘crisp’ capital, the new restrictions could seriously hurt the makers of Bacon Frazzles. Moreover, a key player in the Irish food industry, the Kerry Group, has said the ban could cause further damage – with up to 40% of ham and bacon sold in Ireland reliant on the banned flavoring method.
Could A Ban Reach Mainland Britain?
While there are no plans to ban the smoky flavor in mainland Britain, the government has yet to rule out following in the footsteps of their EU counterparts. Moreover, Britain’s opposition Labour Party – who are widely expected to win next month’s general election – have also not ruled out a ban.
However, even if smoky bacon chips remain legal in mainland Britain, their popularity could take a hit as health-conscious buyers look for alternatives. Ultimately, only time will tell whether Britons will be willing to potentially risk their health to get more of their favorite chips.
Other Bans Potentially on the Way
Part of EFSA’s role is to re-evaluate the safety of food additives that have previously been allowed in the EU. The Authority can also take on requests from the European Commission to review the safety of particular additives that have concerned scientists.
In 2021, EFSA recommended that titanium dioxide may not be safe to consume in any quantity. However, the additive that is found in Starburst and Skittles, has yet to be banned. But, it could eventually go the way of smoky bacon crisps.
