The European Union has left many Britons baffled by its decision to ban a beloved crisp flavour—smoky bacon.
This move comes after the remaining 27 member states approved the prohibition in late April.
Despite assurances from pro-EU publications that any attempt to ban the flavour was merely a smear campaign, the EU’s bureaucrats have decided to phase out artificial smoke flavourings over the next two years.
The decision is seen by some as a reversal of the bloc’s pre-Brexit pledges.
A European Commission report cited potential cancer risks associated with the methods of extracting the smoky flavour, although snack manufacturers have contested these claims, arguing that there is no conclusive evidence linking the process to cancer.
The ban is expected to have significant economic repercussions, particularly for the farming sector in Ireland.
The flavour is popular on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the Irish farming sector could face a £26billion impact as a result of the ban.
The Kerry Group, a major player in the Irish food industry, warned that the decision could cause “major economic harm,” with up to 40 percent of the ham and bacon sold in Ireland relying on the disputed flavouring method.
Ex-Tory Minister Kevin Foster criticised the move, telling The Sun: “At a time when war is returning to Europe and serious economic challenges face us all, it is hard to believe anyone would think this ham-fisted move is a sensible one. This will leave many scratching their heads.”
The decision has also drawn warnings from prominent Brexit campaigners, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who previously cautioned that Brussels bureaucrats might target other popular crisp flavours like prawn cocktail next.
Research by Perspectus Global highlighted the popularity of Bacon Frazzles, ranking them as the seventh most popular savoury snack among Britons.
Perspectus Global spokesperson Ellie Glason said: “Brits are a nation of crisp lovers, so we thought it would be interesting to see which brands and flavours we love the most.
“It’s great to see that while more modern snacks such as Pringles and Doritos are popular, we clearly still love many of our childhood favourites.”
As the EU moves forward with its ban on smoky bacon crisps, the decision has sparked controversy and concern, leaving many in the UK and Ireland questioning the rationale behind such a significant change to their favourite snacks.
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