The European food regulator has warned that the additives which are used in food articles such as meat, fish and cheese to add a smoky flavor may be poisonous to humans.

The European Food Safety Authority also said that it cannot rule out the fact that an additive known as AM01 may be toxic to humans if consumed in large amounts.

The findings were released with no intention of raising any concern following the investigation into 11 smoke flavorings used in cheese, meat, fish, soups, cereals and spices.

When it was tested on animals it was found that AM01 lead to changes in the blood and made young animals gain weight at a slower rate than normal.

The Authority has demanded for more information and more testing on the chemical which is extracted from beech wood and is used as an alternative to traditional smoking.

Chaiman of EFSA’s expert Panel on flavorings, Klaus-Dieter Jany said, “The Panel based its conclusions on the limited data which are currently available as well as conservative – or cautious – intake estimates.”