UK food safety authorities have issued an urgent warning over a popular type of chocolate, advising consumers with allergies to avoid it immediately.
Undeclared Allergens Pose Serious Risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that several samples of Dubai-style chocolate bars sold in the UK have been found to contain undeclared allergens, specifically peanut and sesame. These ingredients were not listed on the product labels, creating a potentially life-threatening risk for individuals with allergies.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, stated the findings clearly: "We've found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren't declared on the label." She emphasised that it would therefore be "dangerous" for consumers with allergies to purchase these chocolate bars.
What is Dubai-Style Chocolate?
The treat in question has seen a significant surge in popularity over the past year. It is typically characterised by a rich filling made from pistachio, tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), and shredded filo pastry, all encased in chocolate.
The FSA confirmed it discovered multiple products that failed to meet both safety and labelling regulations. The watchdog is currently reviewing further sampling data from products on sale to comprehensively check compliance with food safety standards.
Official Advice for Consumers
Until the full results of the investigation are known, the FSA is taking a precautionary stance. The agency's official guidance is clear: People with any food allergy should not consume Dubai-style chocolate.
Ms Sudworth provided specific advice for shoppers: "If you're buying a gift for someone who lives with allergies, our advice is to avoid buying these products. This includes all allergies, not just peanut and sesame." She noted that people without allergies can still consume these products, particularly when they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers.
Jessica Merryfield, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), reinforced the severity of the breach. She warned that failing to comply with food labelling rules is "highly dangerous" and illegal.
"The legal requirements on this are clear," Merryfield said. "Any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled as such to allow consumers to make informed and safe choices. To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous as it makes such foods unsafe to those with food allergies."
The CTSI has urged all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance with allergen labelling laws to protect public health.
