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28.04.2025 - Foods

Smoke flavors soon to be banned – what consumers should know

Smoke flavors are being banned in the EU because they contain harmful substances such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and furans that can cause cancer and damage genetic material. Many foods like BBQ sauces, chips, or smoked almonds contain so-called smoke flavor, which is artificially produced.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns: Industrially produced smoke flavors contain substances such as PAHs and furans, which are considered carcinogenic and genetic material damaging. Therefore, they will soon be banned in the EU.

From July 2026, most foods with smoke flavor (e.g., soups, sauces, snacks) may no longer be sold. Products like smoked meat, fish, or cheese are given a longer deadline until 2029. Traditionally smoked foods remain permitted but must comply with limit values. Nevertheless, experts advise consuming them in moderation.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct the required investigations for harmful substances such as PAHs or furans. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Source:

https://www.swr.de/verbraucher/ard-marktcheck/verbot-von-raucharomen-in-eu-wegen-krebsgefahr-100.html