The UK's food safety regulator has issued an urgent warning to consumers with allergies, advising them to avoid eating popular Dubai-style chocolate bars. The alert comes after several products were found to breach critical safety and labelling standards.
Undeclared Allergens Found in Popular Treats
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated it has discovered "several" of these chocolate products on sale in the UK that have failed to meet mandatory requirements. The treats, which have surged in popularity over the last year, typically feature a rich filling made from pistachio, tahini, and shredded filo pastry.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, revealed the core of the problem: "We've found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren't declared on the label." This failure in accurate labelling makes the bars potentially lethal for individuals with corresponding allergies.
Immediate Precautionary Advice Issued
The watchdog emphasised that it would be "dangerous" for allergy sufferers to purchase these chocolates. As a precaution, while it reviews further sampling data from products currently on sale, the FSA is advising all consumers with allergies to steer clear of Dubai-style chocolate entirely.
Ms Sudworth provided clear guidance: "People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate. 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."
She added that people without allergies could still consume the products, particularly when they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers.
Trading Standards Highlights Legal Breach
Jessica Merryfield, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), underscored the seriousness of the labelling failures. "The legal requirements on this are clear – any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled as such to allow consumers to make informed and safe choices," she stated.
Merryfield stressed that failing to do this is not only illegal but also "highly dangerous" as it renders the foods unsafe for those with allergies. The CTSI urged all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to ensure compliance with the law.
The FSA's warning was issued on Tuesday 16 December 2025, highlighting an ongoing investigation into the safety of these fashionable confectionery items.
