The FSA has found that several Dubai-style chocolate products do not meet the required food safety and labelling standards with some of these containing allergens such as peanut and sesame that are not declared on the label.
This information has been shared with businesses and industry groups so they can take action to make sure the products they sell are safe and correctly labelled.
This is not the first time the FSA has issued a warning about the labelling of the popular imported products.
The FSA said it is currently reviewing sampling data from products on sale to check whether they meet the required food safety and labelling standards. Until the work is complete and the full results are known, it is advising consumers with allergies to avoid Dubai-style chocolate as a precaution.
“Dubai-style chocolate has become hugely popular, but we’ve found that some products contain peanut and sesame that aren’t declared on the label. For someone with allergies, this could be dangerous,” said Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA.
“With Christmas just around corner, there is a risk that some products on sale may not meet our strict UK standards. 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. People without allergies can consume these products, especially where they are supplied by reputable brands and retailers.”
Jessica Merryfield, Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner and Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute supported the move.
“The public should be assured that Trading Standards professionals nationwide - whether advising businesses or enforcing compliance - are working closely with the FSA and affected companies to ensure products meet all safety and labelling requirements,” she said.
“Together, we can help keep people safe and maintain trust in the food supply chain.”
