A ‘Smoky Bacon Border’ could be created between Britain and Northern Ireland due to EU rules on crispy flavorings

Northern Irish crisp makers are facing an EU ban on smoke flavorings due to post-Brexit trade arrangements, potentially creating a ‘smoky bacon border’ with Britain.

The European Union plans to phase out artificial smoke flavorings over the next two years after the food safety authority said concerns about toxicity “have been confirmed or cannot be ruled out.”

Brussels has failed to renew market authorizations following a recent report from the European Commission, which said artificial smoke flavorings “carry cancer risks due to the way the flavor is extracted.”

Under the Brexit deal, known as the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland will continue to follow hundreds of EU rules and have access to the single market to avoid a ‘hard border’ with the Republic of Ireland.

This means snack makers such as crisp giant Tayto would have to stop using the affected smoke flavorings in their factories in Northern Ireland.

File image shows a poster reading “No Irish Sea Border” in the port of Larne, Northern Ireland

However, Tayto Group and other manufacturers in England, Scotland and Wales could still use the smoky flavors such as those found in BBQ chips.

DUP peer Lord Dodds told it The Telegraph: ‘It’s another reason why EU law in Northern Ireland must align with the Irish Sea border it creates.’

He added: ‘EU diktats reach every aspect of daily life and cause competitive disadvantages for NI manufacturing in its largest market.’

Tayto Group Limited is the UK’s largest crisp and snack manufacturer, producing more than five million packs a day at five UK factories, including ‘Tayto Castle’ in Tandragee.

It is separate from Ireland’s Tayto Snacks, which sells crisps throughout the Republic of Ireland, while Co. Armagh-based manufacturer sells its products in the North and the rest of the UK.

Irish manufacturers are also against the ban, as as much as 40 percent of ham and bacon are sold in the country reported depend on the flavor extraction method.

Food manufacturers the Kerry Group have reportedly lobbied the government, claiming the ban could cause “major economic damage.”

Tayto Group Ltd is the UK’s largest manufacturer of crisps and snacks, producing more than five million packs a day at its five UK factories, including its original site in Co Armagh

The European Commission report claims that the risk of cancer is linked to the way smoke is purified and the removal of tar and ash before flavorings are added to food.

However, manufacturers have disputed these claims, citing a lack of evidence.

In a statement following the report in April, the European Commission said EU member states had “endorsed a Commission proposal not to renew the authorization of eight smoke flavorings for food.”

“After a phase-out period, these flavorings will no longer be authorized for use in the EU,” they said.

Brexiteers have long criticized the EU for its ‘precautionary principle’ on health warnings, which they argue can be overly cautious and ignore potential health benefits.

Brussels says the phase-out period is intended to limit economic damage to manufacturers and allow them to develop alternatives.

It is unclear whether Tayto Group Ltd uses the flavorings in question in Northern Ireland and the company has been contacted for comment.