Liquid Smoke
Liquid smoke is a natural flavoring used in food. EFSA has evaluated multiple smoke flavoring primary products and set ADIs; commercial liquid smoke is generally lower in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) than direct smoking because the condensate is filtered.
What it is
Aqueous solution of natural smoke condensate, produced by burning hardwood and condensing the resulting smoke into water, then filtering.
Imparts smoky flavor without actual smoking; contains flavor compounds (phenols, carbonyls) from wood pyrolysis.
Why it's flagged
- may contain trace PAHs (controlled by spec); EFSA has flagged some specific commercial products for further safety review
What regulators actually say
"The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of the smoke flavouring Primary Product..."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as natural smoke flavoring; per FDA, 'natural smoke flavor' is a permitted ingredient.
European Union — EFSA
Smoke flavorings authorized under EU Regulation 2065/2003 with specific evaluations per primary product.
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