Adobe StockA warning has been issued over imported Dubai chocolate amid fears some products pose a health risk.
Dubai-style chocolate has become popular due to being promoted by “influencers” on social media sites such as TikTok.
The trend has led UK supermarkets such as Waitrose and Lidl to limit how many people can buy.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is raising awareness that some imported chocolate sold in the UK may pose a risk to those with food allergies.
Health experts say the products could lack a full ingredients list or allergy labelling and may not meet the UK’s food safety standards.
They have identified a number of products that pose a health risk, but say most Dubai-style chocolate available in UK shops is safe.
Consumers are advised to check:
- the name of the food (e.g. milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling);
- a list of ingredients, with allergens emphasised;
- the weight of the food in grams;
- a best before or use by date;
- the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information – if the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included.
Professor Robin May, chief scientific advisor to the FSA, said: “The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.
“If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, like the ones you’d use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for UK consumers and are safe to eat.
“As it’s difficult for consumers to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that aren’t, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless you’re certain it’s intended for sale here.
“UK law requires food labels to highlight any of 14 allergens present in the product, but some imported products may not do this.”
Anyone with concerns about chocolate products is being urged not to buy them and instead to report them to their local authority.
For more information on food allergies, visit food.gov.uk.
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