The UK's food safety watchdog has issued an urgent warning, advising people with allergies to avoid popular Dubai-style chocolate bars. The alert comes after several products failed to meet crucial labelling and safety standards.
Undeclared Allergens Pose Serious Risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) discovered that multiple Dubai-style chocolate products available in the UK contain peanut and sesame that are not declared on their labels. These rich chocolate snacks, typically filled with a mixture of pistachio, tahini, and shredded filo pastry, have seen a significant surge in popularity over the past year.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, confirmed the findings. "We've found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren't declared on the label," she stated. The organisation has emphasised that purchasing and consuming these bars could be "dangerous" for individuals with relevant allergies.
Precautionary Advice for Consumers
As a precautionary measure while the investigation continues, the FSA is advising all consumers with food allergies to steer clear of Dubai-style chocolate. This advice extends to anyone considering purchasing the product as a gift for someone with allergies.
"People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate," Ms Sudworth stressed. "If you're buying a gift for someone who lives with allergies, our advice is to avoid buying these products. This includes all allergies, not just peanut and sesame."
The watchdog clarified that people without allergies can still consume these products, particularly when they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers. The FSA is currently reviewing sampling data from products on sale to verify their compliance with food safety regulations.
Clear Legal Requirements for Businesses
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has reinforced the FSA's warning, highlighting the legal obligations of food businesses. Jessica Merryfield, Head of Policy and Campaigns at CTSI, said: "The legal requirements on this are clear – any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled."
She added that failing to properly label allergens is not only illegal but also highly dangerous, as it renders such foods unsafe for those with allergies. The CTSI is urging all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance with the law to protect consumers.
The FSA's warning, issued on Tuesday 16 December 2025, remains in place pending the outcome of its full review of the products on the market.
