Is 'Smoke' Flavored Food Toxic?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says one of the flavorings used to give smoke flavor to meat, cheese and fish may be toxic to humans.

The smoke flavorings are products which can be added to foods to give them a "smoked" flavor, as an alternative to traditional smoking.

EFSA says it "cannot rule out concerns" about a flavoring called Primary Product AM 01, which is obtained from beech wood. The wood particles are burnt under controlled conditions and the hot vapors are dissolved in a solvent. The Panel says the use of the substance "at the intended levels is a safety concern".

Sources:
http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2010/01/12/Is-Smoke-Flavored-Food-Toxic.aspx
BBC News January 8, 2010

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