The FSA has warned people with allergies not to eat Dubai-style chocolate this Christmas.
In June, it warned retailers, importers and consumers that some imported Dubai-style chocolate being sold in the UK may pose a risk to individuals with food allergies.
Over recent months, it has found several Dubai-style chocolate products do not meet the required food safety and labelling standards.
For instance, it recalled Noesis, Fix It and counterfeit Le Damas branded Dubai-style chocolate products found to contain peanuts and other types of nuts (such as almonds, cashews and walnuts), which were not mentioned on labels over the summer.
The FSA 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, the FSA has advised consumers with allergies to avoid Dubai-style chocolate as a precaution.
“With Christmas just around the corner, there is a risk that some products on sale may not meet our strict UK standards,” said Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the FSA.
“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.”
Sudworth added the FSA had shared its concerns with allergy charities so they could help make sure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices.
Trading Standards advice
Jessica Merryfield, chartered Trading Standards practitioner and head of policy and campaigns at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: “CTSI fully supports the FSA’s precautionary advice and share their commitment to protecting the safety and health of consumers, particularly when it comes to allergens in food.”
“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.
“To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous as it makes such foods unsafe to those with food allergies.
“We urge all food businesses, including retailers and importers, to take immediate steps to comply.
“Businesses who are not sure if they are affected by this warning should contact their local Trading Standards service for advice and guidance.”
Guidance for consumers
For those who do choose to buy Dubai-style chocolate, the FSA has advised them to buy from a reputable retailer and check that the product label is in English and contains the following information:
- the name of the food (e.g. milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling);
- a list of ingredients, with allergens emphasised;
- the weight of the food in grams;
- a best before or use by date;
- the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information. If the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included.
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