People with allergies have been urged to avoid Dubai-style chocolate after the UK’s food safety watchdog warned that several products fail to meet national food standards.
The popular chocolate bars, often filled with pistachio, tahini and shredded filo pastry, have surged in demand over the past year. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that some products sold in the UK do not comply with key safety and labelling requirements.
FSA Director of Policy Rebecca Sudworth said some items contain undeclared allergens, including peanut and sesame, posing a serious risk to consumers with allergies. She described the purchase of such products as “dangerous” for those affected.
As a precaution, the FSA is advising people with allergies to avoid all Dubai-style chocolate until ongoing sampling and checks confirm full compliance with food safety standards.
Sudworth stressed that individuals with allergies should not consume these products and advised against buying them as gifts for anyone with food allergies. She added that people without allergies can consume the chocolates, particularly when purchased from reputable brands and retailers.
Meanwhile, Chartered Trading Standards Institute Head of Policy and Campaigns Jessica Merryfield said food businesses have a clear legal obligation to declare allergens. She warned that failing to do so is both illegal and highly dangerous, and urged retailers and importers to take immediate steps to comply.
