The warning was announced after the FSA identified a number of Dubai-style chocolate products with unclear or unreliable allergen labels.
Allergen sufferers have been urged to be extra careful and avoid consuming any products where they are unsure about their contents.
By law, food and drink labels must list all ingredients and clearly highlight any of the 14 regulated allergens.
Reacting to the news, Georgina Stewart, nutrition and regulation adviser at food consultancy The Nutrient Gap, told Food Manufacture that the recent warning was evidence of “viral food trends outpacing food safety”.
“This issue with imported Dubai-style chocolate highlights a wider problem,” she said.
“While the buzz from TikTok might make these products feel exciting and new, the truth is many of them simply don’t meet UK legal requirements for labelling – particularly when it comes to allergens.
“We have strict laws for good reason. Allergens must be clearly declared, ingredients listed in English, and a UK or EU-based responsible business named on the label ( depending on where the product is marketed). Without this, consumers, especially those with allergies, are left vulnerable. The fact that some of these products lack even the basic legal declarations is deeply concerning.
“My advice is the same as the FSA’s: if you have any doubt at all, don’t buy it. Stick with trusted retailers, and always check the label. If a food product doesn’t include a full ingredient list or allergen information in English and in bold, it shouldn’t be on UK shelves – and it certainly shouldn’t be in your basket.
“We all want to try new things, but safety has to come first – especially when it involves allergens, which can be life-threatening. It’s great to see the FSA taking this seriously and working to protect the public, and I’d urge local authorities and online platforms to continue stepping up enforcement as well.”
