Shoppers with allergies are being urged to avoid imported Dubai chocolate unless they are certain of its ingredients, following a warning from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) about inconsistent labelling and potential health risks.
The FSA’s chief scientific advisor, Professor Robin May, has cautioned consumers to buy only from trusted UK retailers, as these shops are more likely to stock products made for the domestic market and compliant with UK food safety standards.
The warning comes as Dubai-style chocolate has surged in popularity, fuelled by social media influencers on platforms such as TikTok. This trend has led major supermarkets, including Waitrose and Lidl, to introduce per-person purchase limits to manage soaring demand.
Allergen Labelling Concerns
A recent BBC investigation uncovered that several sellers on TikTok Shop have been offering Dubai-style chocolate without proper allergen information. UK law requires businesses to clearly declare if a product contains any of the 14 regulated allergens, such as nuts and milk.
However, the FSA has found that some imported Dubai chocolate products may not have been intended for sale in the UK and therefore lack the full ingredients list or legally required allergen labelling.
Professor Robin May stated: “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.
“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.”
What to Look For
By law, products made to UK standards must display:
- The name of the food (e.g., milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling)
- A full 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 a UK or EU business responsible for the product information, or the importer’s details if the food is from outside the UK or EU.
If any of this information is missing, especially for products bought online or via social media, consumers are advised not to purchase and to report concerns to their local authority.
Additional Risks
Beyond allergen issues, some imported Dubai-style chocolate may also contain additives and colourings not permitted for sale in the UK.
The FSA is currently working with local authorities to identify and remove non-compliant products from sale and is sampling products to assess the scale of the problem. The regulator is also collaborating with allergy charities to raise awareness and protect vulnerable consumers.
This treat, inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert Knafeh, typically combines chocolate, pistachio, and tahini with filo pastry.
Its popularity has skyrocketed in the UK, largely due to viral trends on TikTok, but the lack of consistent labelling on some imports has created a significant food safety concern.
Advice for Allergy Sufferers
- Stick to trusted UK retailers for Dubai-style chocolate
- Always check for a full English-language ingredients list and allergen information
- Avoid products if you are unsure about their intended market or labelling
- Report any concerns to your local authority
The FSA stresses that while most Dubai-style chocolate available in UK shops is safe, vigilance is essential to avoid potentially dangerous products.
