Everything to know about popular UK crisp flavour ban across EU amid worrying health concerns

You can’t beat a good bag of crisps. Salt and Vinegar, Cheese and Onion or even the less-than-traditional favours, they’re just elite.

But as us Brits love scranning away bags in one go, a popular UK flavour is getting banned across EU countries over worrying health concerns.

And it might seem like good news to assure you that the beloved snack is not getting scrapped over on this side of the pond, but then again, the warnings might make you think twice.

So, here’s everything you need to know about the ban agreed upon by the European Union.

What flavour is being banned?

Not necessarily everyone’s go to but still an iconic staple, it has been decided to ban smoky bacon crisps.

Oh, and it’s not just limited to the moreish potato scraps. The ban is in place on artificial smoke flavourings themselves, so anything it’s added to for extra flavour like sauces and soups will be affected.

Well, there'll soon be no smoky bacon crisps on the balcony on a Euro holiday. (Getty stock)

Why is this being introduced?

This ban comes after research by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found some of the popular artificial smoke flavourings to be linked to potential health risks.

It linked those popular smoky tastes to genotoxicity, which it describes as the ‘ability of a chemical to damage the genetic material of cells’.

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

When it comes to this type of toxicity, the EFSA say it’s not possible ‘to define a safe level’. So, it seems a total blanket ban on smoky bacon crisps is the way of preventing ‘worst case scenarios’.

However, snack manufacturers contested the report's claims, arguing that there is no evidence to link to cancer.

Bacon isn't actually used in the flavouring. (Getty Stock)

Where will the ban be in place?

EU member states agreed on the smoky flavour ban back in April and the added flavourings are set to be phased-out in the countries over roughly two years.

Producers will be given some time to transition before the smoky flavours are scrapped.

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

As well as crisps, things like sauces could be affected. (Getty Stock)

What do the experts say?

Natasha Blythe, Food Hygiene expert at High Speed Training says that the news might be ‘a blow’ to smoky bacon fans but food safety is ‘hugely important’.

“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,” she said.

However, Blythe added that it’s ‘too early to say’ if the UK should also ‘follow suit’ but encourages further research from authorities to determine if we should also be removing smoky bacon crips from shelves.

And the lead pharmacist at FeelGut.co.uk spoke on the health effects of crisps in general, which are considered a ‘ultra-processed food’. Sonia Khan said they are: “Industry-formulated edible substances, which essentially removes any nutritional benefit from the ingredients used to create the end product, unfortunately, smoky bacon flavoured crisps fall into this category.

“Ultra-processed foods contain many additives, artificial ingredients, flavourings and preservatives which are responsible for many negative health effects.”

She also expressed that, while it might shock some people, bacon isn’t actually used in creating that legendary smoky bacon flavour.