EFSA CHANGES AND SMOKE-FREE ALTERNATIVES
In 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed its decision to phase out primary smoke flavourings by 2025, following risk assessments linking specific compounds, notably polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), to potential safety concerns.
This regulatory shift has created an urgent need for reformulation across exportoriented meat manufacturers. In response, FSL, in partnership with Flavourstream, now offers a suite of primary smoke-free alternatives that preserve traditional sensory appeal, that keeps colour, flavour and yield on target while ensuring full compliance.
Our solutions include:
- Goldenstream (browning, primary smoke-free): Goldenstream browning agents replace the deep brown colour you usually get from traditional smoking or a primary smoke flavour.They drop straight into your current process.
- Purenovastream (smoky flavour, primary smoke-free): A flexible range of flavourings designed for meat applications, available as powders, oils and fully water-soluble versions. The powder brings robust smoky, woody, and umami notes to meat emulsions and works well in injection and tumbling. The watersoluble option also suits emulsions and brines.
- Naturestream (smoky natural flavours, primary smoke-free): Enables a smoky profile from the Naturestream range when you want a natural-flavour label.
Applications:
Sausages, hams, bacon (chicken, beef & turkey) and deli meats are processed through atomising, drenching, injection, tumbling, or brine systems.
Key Benefits:
- Regulatory Compliance: Fully aligned with EFSA’s 2025 directive, ensuring uninterrupted EU market access.
- Operational Continuity: Drop-in replacements for existing processes, reducing reformulation risk.
- Consumer Trust: Supports clean-label transparency increasingly favoured by EU shoppers.
By adopting these smoke-free alternatives, manufacturers can preserve both product quality and brand equity while avoiding disruption to export markets. In an era of stricter oversight and heightened consumer awareness, early adaptation ensures long-term competitiveness.
To explore our recent meat ingredient innovations or discuss tailored solutions, connect with our team at meatfsl@foodspecialities.com.
