ADAPTATION TO THE NEW SMOKE REGULATIONS

At Apasa, we are adapting to the new regulations on smoke flavors with viable and safe alternatives that are available immediately.

Regulation (EU) 2024/2067, published on July 31, 2024, prohibits the smoke flavors that have been used by the European food industry. This means that, in the near future, they cannot be used in new formulations and can only continue to be used in products already on the market, within the established transition periods: until July 1, 2026, for most categories, and until July 1, 2029, for products such as cheese, meat, processed fish, and roe.

What does the new regulation on smoke flavors consist of?

According to the latest toxicological reviews by the EFSA, doubts had been raised about the safety of some of the primary condensates used in the manufacture of smoke flavors. Some compounds generated during the production of these primary flavors, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, have a potential genotoxic effect.

A return to natural smoking is not without its drawbacks, as the presence of contaminants inherent in natural smoke is an inherent risk in this type of practice. The costs of investing in facilities, wood for combustion, and cleaning machinery must also be taken into account, as well as the control of hydrocarbon residues in smoked food.

Adapting to the new regulatory reality is a change whose management can pose technical, economic, and sensory problems. New flavors must respond to these challenges with the least possible impact and in a safe, fast, and economical way.

What smoke flavor alternatives do we offer?

In light of this new situation, we want to send a clear message: there are viable, safe, and immediately available alternatives that allow us to continue offering consumers the characteristic smoky flavor they value so much. At APASA, we have developed a range of smoke flavors that are innovative and fully compliant alternatives for adapting products on the market to current regulations.

This is a comprehensive package of solutions to make this transition faster, safer, and more profitable. The alternative smoke flavors comply with regulations and are completely safe.

The new flavors allow for cleaner and simpler labeling, which is more attractive to consumers. It will no longer be necessary to explicitly label food products as containing “smoke flavor.” The new products are labeled as “natural flavoring” or simply “flavoring.”

We offer solutions tailored to the needs of each product category. Flavors in powder or liquid form for the sectors most sensitive to change, especially smoked meats, cheeses, and fish.

Commitment to regulations and our customers

At Apasa, we not only supply ingredients, we also provide technical advice to each customer to help them choose the most suitable alternative according to the type of product, manufacturing process, and market objectives. Our technical team is up to date with current legislation and provides support at every stage of adaptation.

The new flavors allow for cleaner and simpler labeling, which is more attractive to consumers. It will no longer be necessary to explicitly label “smoke flavor” on food products. The new products are labeled as “natural flavor” or simply “flavor.”

Looking to the future

Regulations change, but innovation does not stop. At Apasa, we know that these regulatory decisions entail complex changes, as they involve reformulation, process adaptation, and, above all, the need to continue offering consumers the quality and sensory profile they expect. For us, every challenge is also an opportunity for improvement.

We are at your disposal. Ask us about our new smoke flavors and discover the alternative that best suits your products and needs.

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