Rogue Imports of Dubai Chocolate May Threaten Britons with Allergies, FSA Warns
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning about the potential health risks associated with the popular "Dubai chocolate" trend. According to the FSA, some imported Dubai-style chocolate products may pose a serious threat to consumers with allergies due to unreliable labelling and possible contamination with banned additives and dyes.
The warning comes as the indulgent treat, which typically features a filling of pistachio cream and tahini with knafeh, has become a huge hit on social media, with one video of a food influencer eating the bar clocking up over 100m views on TikTok. The chocolate was first invented in 2021 by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian living in Dubai, and has since become one of the UK’s hottest food trends.
The FSA’s chief scientific adviser, Prof Robin May, 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. 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 so are safe to eat."
The FSA is concerned that some bars do not have reliable labels, which by law should have a list of ingredients in English with allergens emphasised, as well as the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information. The agency is working with local councils to get problem bars cleared from shelves and is trying to establish the scale of the problem.
In the meantime, the FSA is advising those with a food allergy or intolerance to only buy bars that are clearly intended for sale in the UK. This advice is based on concerns that some imported products may not meet UK food safety standards, which could put consumers with allergies at risk.
The popularity of Dubai chocolate has led to a shortage of pistachios, with demand inspiring specialists such as Lindt to launch their own versions, as well as supermarkets from Lidl to Waitrose. However, the FSA’s warning highlights the need for consumers to be cautious when purchasing these products, particularly if they have a food allergy or intolerance.
According to a report by The Guardian, the Dubai chocolate trend has become a global phenomenon, with many consumers eager to try the unique and indulgent treat. However, the FSA’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing food safety, particularly for those with allergies.
The FSA’s warning is a timely reminder of the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food products, particularly those that are imported or sold through unofficial channels. By sticking with trusted retailers and checking product labels carefully, consumers can help ensure their safety and the safety of those with allergies.
As the FSA continues to investigate the scale of the problem, consumers are advised to remain cautious and to prioritize food safety when purchasing Dubai-style chocolate products. This can be achieved by checking product labels carefully, looking for products that are clearly intended for sale in the UK, and avoiding products that do not meet UK food safety standards.
The FSA’s warning highlights the importance of food safety and the need for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain food products. By prioritizing food safety and taking steps to mitigate potential risks, consumers can help ensure their safety and the safety of those with allergies.
The Dubai chocolate trend is a prime example of how social media can influence consumer behaviour and drive demand for certain products. However, as the FSA’s warning highlights, it is essential for consumers to prioritize food safety and to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain products.
In conclusion, the FSA’s warning about the potential health risks associated with Dubai chocolate serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing food safety. By being vigilant and taking steps to mitigate potential risks, consumers can help ensure their safety and the safety of those with allergies.
This article is based on reporting by The Guardian.
