The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a precautionary warning advising people with allergies not to eat Dubai-style chocolate after finding several products that do not meet UK food safety and labelling standards.
The watchdog said some Dubai-style chocolate products on sale may contain allergens such as peanut and sesame that are not declared on the label, posing a serious risk to consumers with food allergies. The FSA is currently reviewing sampling data from products on the market to assess compliance and has shared its concerns with businesses and industry groups so action can be taken.
Until the review is complete and full results are known, the FSA is urging consumers with allergies to avoid Dubai-style chocolate altogether as a precaution, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when the products are often bought as gifts.
Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the FSA, said the category’s growing popularity meant there was a heightened risk that some products on sale may not meet the UK’s “strict standards”.
“Dubai-style chocolate has become hugely popular, but we’ve found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren’t declared on the label. For someone with allergies, this could be dangerous,” she said.
“People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate. If you’re buying a gift for someone who lives with allergies, our advice is to avoid buying these products.”
Sudworth added that people without allergies can consume the products, especially where they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers, but stressed that businesses have a responsibility to ensure the food they sell is safe and correctly labelled.
“People should be able to trust that food in UK shops is safe and that it’s what it says it is, so we’re reminding businesses of their responsibility to ensure the safety of the food products they sell,” Sudworth added.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) also backed the warning, reminding retailers and importers that allergen labelling is a legal requirement.
Jessica Merryfield, CTSI’s head of policy and campaigns, said: “Any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled to allow consumers to make informed and safe choices. To not do this is illegal and highly dangerous as it makes such foods unsafe to those with food allergies. We urge all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to comply.”
She added that Trading Standards officers across the UK are working closely with the FSA and affected companies to ensure products meet all safety and labelling requirements, and advised businesses unsure whether they are affected to contact their local Trading Standards service.