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Jamon-flavoured crisps banned in Spain due to cancer-causing properties
The EU has issued a blanket ban on certain additives that increase the risk of cancer and hereditary diseases
It’s the end of an era for jamón or ham-flavoured crisps and other smoky snacks in the EU. One of Spain’s favourite salty treats, these potato chips contain artificial smoked additives which have been found to increase the risk of cancer and hereditary diseases.
Jamón crisps are among the many casualties of this new EU-wide regulation, but the ban extends to other products, as these smoky flavourings are also used in meats, fish, cheeses, soups, sauces, drinks, ice cream and sweets.
The EU’s focus on eliminating harmful products from supermarket shelves has led to this decision, which aims to promote healthier alternatives.
The journey towards this ban began in 2023 when a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) raised concerns about the genotoxicity of these additives, confirming their ability to damage the genetic material of cells. This confirmation led to a unanimous vote in April 2024 by all 27 EU members in favour of prohibiting these substances.
The European Commission is currently finalising the regulation, which is expected to come into force in spring 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, food retailers will be given a period of two to five years to modify or remove products containing these additives from supermarket shelves.
It’s important to note that not all smoked products will be affected by this ban. Foods that use natural smoked ingredients, such as salmon, will still be available. The focus is specifically on eliminating artificial smoke flavourings that pose potential health risks.
So, as we bid farewell to jamón-flavoured crisps and other smoky treats, we can expect to see a shift towards healthier and safer alternatives on our supermarket shelves.
In other news: UK-Spain youth mobility scheme rejected by Labour Government
Image: Pixabay
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