The UK's food safety regulator has issued an urgent warning, advising people with allergies to avoid consuming popular Dubai-style chocolate bars. The alert comes after products were found on sale that fail to meet mandatory safety and labelling standards.
Undeclared Allergens Pose Serious Risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that its checks have uncovered several products in UK shops that do not comply with required rules. Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA’s director of policy, confirmed that some chocolates contain peanut and sesame ingredients which are not declared on their labels. This omission could pose a serious, potentially life-threatening risk to consumers with relevant allergies.
These chocolate bars, which have surged in popularity over the last year, are often filled with ingredients like pistachio, tahini, and shredded filo pastry. The FSA is currently assessing sampling data from products on the market to establish the full extent of the compliance issues.
Precautionary Advice for Consumers
Until the investigation is complete and full results are known, the agency is taking a precautionary stance. Ms Sudworth's advice is clear: "People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate." She expanded this guidance to anyone buying gifts, suggesting they avoid these products altogether if the recipient has any allergies, not only to peanut or sesame.
The watchdog noted that those without allergies can still consume these products, particularly when they are sold by reputable brands and retailers known for robust safety practices.
Trading Standards Emphasises Legal Duty
Jessica Merryfield, head of policy and campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), reinforced the legal imperative behind the warning. "The law is clear," she said. "Any food that contains allergens must be clearly identified and labelled so consumers can make safe and informed decisions. Not doing so is illegal and highly dangerous."
The CTSI is urging all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to ensure their products fully comply with allergen labelling regulations. The FSA's warning, issued on 16 December 2025, highlights an ongoing gap in food safety enforcement for these trendy imported products.
