UK Food Safety Regulator Warns of Allergen Risks in Imported Chocolate Products
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to consumers about the potential risks associated with imported Dubai-style chocolate products that may not meet UK food safety standards. According to the FSA, some of these products may not have the required allergen labelling, which could pose a significant risk to consumers with allergies.
The FSA reported that some imported Dubai-style chocolate products may not have been intended for sale in the UK and therefore lack a full ingredients list or allergen labelling that are legally required. As the BBC reported, Professor Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific advisor, said: "Some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies."
In the UK, businesses are legally required to declare if a product they sell contains one of the 14 regulated allergens, including nuts and milk. The FSA has worked with local authorities to identify a number of Dubai chocolate products that posed a health risk to consumers with allergies. The regulator found that some of these products may also contain additives and colours which aren’t allowed to be sold in the UK.
The popular treat, which combines the flavours of chocolate, pistachio and tahini with filo pastry, is inspired by the Arab dessert Knafeh. However, the FSA warned that consumers with allergies should exercise caution when purchasing these products, as it may be difficult to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that aren’t. Professor May added: "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."
Under UK law, products made to UK standards must have labels that have the ingredients written in English, the name of the food, a best before or use by date, and the name and address of a UK or European Union (EU) business that is responsible for information on the product. If the food is not from the EU or UK, then an importer must be listed.
The FSA is now sampling products to work out the scale of the problem and is working with allergy charities to raise awareness. Consumers who have concerns about these products are advised to report them to their local authority. As the BBC reported, the FSA is taking steps to ensure that consumers are protected from potential food safety risks associated with imported chocolate products.
The FSA’s warning highlights the importance of food safety labelling and the potential risks associated with imported products that may not meet UK standards. Consumers with allergies are advised to be vigilant when purchasing food products and to always check the ingredients list and labelling before making a purchase. By working together with local authorities and allergy charities, the FSA aims to ensure that consumers are protected from potential food safety risks and that the UK’s food safety standards are maintained.
According to the BBC, the FSA’s chief scientific advisor, Professor Robin May, emphasised the importance of food safety labelling, stating that "some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies." The FSA’s warning serves as a reminder to consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with imported food products and to take steps to protect themselves.
The UK’s food safety regulator has a critical role in ensuring that consumers are protected from potential food safety risks. The FSA’s work with local authorities and allergy charities highlights the importance of collaboration in maintaining the UK’s food safety standards. As the BBC reported, the FSA is committed to ensuring that consumers are protected from potential food safety risks and that the UK’s food safety standards are maintained.
