The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the results of its sixth annual retail surveillance survey, which sampled 845 products across Wales, England and Northern Ireland between July and December 2025. The survey targeted areas of known or potential risk and checked products for safety, accurate labelling, and truthfulness of contents. Three product categories had significant issues.
Goat Meat Products Found to Contain Other Meats
Half of the goat meat products tested were found to be sheep meat, one was a mix of sheep and goat, and one was deer. The FSA reported that these findings led to enforcement action.
Dubai-Style Chocolate: Only One of 45 Samples Passed
Of the 45 samples of Dubai-style chocolate tested, only one passed every test and labelling requirement. Forty-two samples had labelling issues, including incorrect or missing use-by and best-before dates, allergens not clearly highlighted, ingredients not listed in correct order, and lack of UK importer details. This discovery led the FSA to issue a warning to shoppers before Christmas 2025 not to eat Dubai-style chocolate.
Slush Ice Drinks: Glycerol Concerns for Children
The survey uncovered ongoing issues with a small number of slush ice drinks, particularly regarding levels of glycerol (E 422), a sugar substitute. The FSA advises that children aged under seven should not consume these drinks, as high consumption may cause side effects including headaches, sickness, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), shock, and loss of consciousness. Children under 10 should have no more than one 350ml slush ice drink with glycerol per day.
Enforcement and Next Steps
All unsatisfactory results were shared by the FSA with local authorities so they could consider further action. The FSA continues to monitor food safety and labelling compliance across the UK.
