Dubai Chocolate Alert: Health Officials Warn Allergy Sufferers
Health authorities in the UK and across Europe are warning consumers, especially those with allergies, to be cautious about certain chocolate bars linked to Dubai.
These chocolates, known for their rich fillings like pistachio, tahini, and knafeh, have become a social media sensation. But behind the sweet trend, serious safety issues are emerging.
The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has raised alarms over Dubai-style chocolates being sold in local stores and online without proper English labels. Many of these imported sweets don’t clearly list allergens like tree nuts or sesame, which could be dangerous for people with food allergies.
Some products even have incorrect ingredient lists or no allergen warnings at all.
In Germany, health officials recently tested various Dubai-style chocolates and found worrying results. About 96% of the samples failed safety checks. Some contained harmful substances like mycotoxins, aflatoxins, and banned food dyes.
A batch of "Miskets Dubai Chocolate" was recalled for having undeclared sesame, which can be life-threatening for allergic individuals.
Food Alert: Concerns over imported Dubai style chocolate. ​
— Coeliac_UK (@Coeliac_UK) June 12, 2025
​@foodgov has raised concerns over imported Dubai style chocolate. Some of these imported chocolates sold online or through local specialist retailers do not meet UK food labelling standards, meaning they:​
​- Lack a… pic.twitter.com/YOeT41fNGu
The rising popularity of these chocolates on platforms like TikTok has led to an increase in unregulated imports from countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Jordan.
Many of these products look appealing but are made in facilities with low quality control. Some even contain ingredients banned in the UK or EU due to health risks.
Officials urge consumers to buy only from reputable stores that provide clear ingredient lists and allergen warnings. Avoid buying from unknown sellers or online sources that do not provide full product information in English.
If you have food allergies, especially to nuts, sesame, or dairy, it’s best to stay away from Dubai-style chocolates unless you’re sure the product meets local safety standards.
Always check the packaging and report suspicious items to your local food safety team.
This warning is a reminder that viral food trends can sometimes hide serious risks, especially when products are not made or sold according to legal food safety standards.
Image Source: iefimerida.gr
