Smoky bacon crisps are being banned across Europe amid health concerns

One of the UK's favourite crisp flavours is being banned across Europe, and it's gonna be a blow to many.

Yup, if you're a smoky bacon crisp fan, you might wanna listen up, because the European Union is now citing potential health risks associated with the flavour.

It comes after research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which states artificial smoke flavourings might not be good for us.

The research found that the smoky tastes could be linked to genotoxicity, which is basically the ‘ability of a chemical to damage the genetic material of cells’.

Smoky bacon crisps are being banned by the EU (Credit: Getty)

“Changes or mutations to the genetic information within a cell may increase the risk of developing conditions like cancer and inherited diseases,” the EFSA states.

It goes on to warn that it isn't able to 'define a safe level' of this sort of toxicity, so banning the crisps was necessary to avoid 'worst case scenarios'.

Snack manufacturers are said to be contesting the research, arguing the evidence of a link to cancer can't be found.

At the end of April, member states of the EU consented to the ban, and the flavour is set to be phased out over the next two years.

Research into smoky bacon crisps has caused concern (Credit: Getty)

As the UK isn't a member of the EU, the crisp flavour will still be available here, at the moment.

The ban doesn't stop at crisps. It'll affect anything where the smoky flavour is added.

This means, sauces, soups and various other products will be affected, too.

A statement from The European Commission reads: “The Member States have endorsed a proposal from the Commission to not renew the authorisation of eight smoke flavourings for food.

Snack manufacturers are disputing the health concerns (Credit: Getty)

"After a phase-out period, these flavourings will no longer be permitted for use in the EU.

“The relevant decisions are based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority which concluded that for all eight smoke flavourings assessed, genotoxicity concerns are either confirmed or can’t be ruled out.

"EFSA’s opinion is based on an updated methodology, assessing new data submitted by the applicants. It concerns the specific flavourings which can be added to food, and not the food itself.”

Speaking to LADBible about the ban, Natasha Blythe, Food Hygiene expert at High Speed Training said: “Right now, the research has suggested that there is still some ambiguity about how much of the ingredients in smoky flavourings could be classed as harmful, so the EU has opted for a blanket ban to be safe.

"If you are really concerned about the health impacts on you or your loved ones, you may also choose to play it safe and cut out the flavour from your favourite selection of snacks."

As for whether the UK should introduce a ban, too, she said that further research was needed, and encouraged authorities to look into it.

Featured image: Getty