Smoke Flavouring
Also known as: smoke flavour, aroma of smoke, smoked flavour
Smoke flavorings vary widely. In November 2023 EFSA published reevaluations of eight smoke flavoring primary products on the EU market and could not rule out genotoxicity for any of them; the European Commission did not renew the authorisations, with a phase-out by July 2029.
What it is
Flavoring derived from condensation of wood smoke or from synthetic preparations; complex mixture of pyrolysis products.
Imparts smoky flavor without traditional smoking.
Why it's flagged
- EFSA 2023 found genotoxicity concerns for all assessed smoke flavoring primary products
- may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
What regulators actually say
"Six of the smoke flavourings assessed contain genotoxic substances and raise safety concerns, while safety concerns could not be ruled out for the other two due to lack of data."
"Pyroligneous acid and other artificial smoke flavors used as an ingredient in food may be declared as artificial flavor or artificial smoke flavor."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as artificial flavor/artificial smoke flavor; labeling under 21 CFR 101.22.
European Union — EFSA
EU authorisations not renewed for the 8 assessed primary products (2024 Implementing Decisions); phase-out by July 2029.
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