Why smoky bacon crisps threaten to reignite rows over EU rules
Summary
The UK is negotiating a food standards deal with the EU that could reduce trade costs but would require Britain to follow a range of EU rules. One rule restricting meat-related food names could affect labels such as “smoky bacon” on crisps, though its application to snacks remains unclear and it will not take effect before August 2029.Key Facts
- The government expects the proposed food standards deal to include the new EU rules on meat-related product names.
- The EU plans to restrict 31 terms, including bacon, steak and drumstick, to products containing meat.
- The rules may affect meat-flavoured crisps that use no meat extracts, but how they apply to snacks is not yet clear.
- The rules will not take effect until after August 2029.
- The European Commission can create exemptions for terms with a long history of use for other types of food, but it has not explained how it will use that power.
- The Food and Drink Federation supports a food deal that could reduce trade barriers, while urging the government to protect UK business interests in EU rulemaking.
- Environment Secretary Angela Eagle dismissed a radio presenter’s question about the potential impact of the rules on crisps.
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