UK watchdog warns eating Dubai chocolate is potentially ‘dangerous’

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a precautionary warning advising people with food allergies not to eat Dubai-style chocolate, following concerns that some products do not meet UK food safety and labelling standards.

In an update published on 16 December 2025, the FSA said it is aware that some Dubai-style chocolate products on sale in the UK may contain allergens such as peanut and sesame that are not declared on the label. The agency said this poses a potential risk to people with allergies and food hypersensitivities.

The FSA had previously issued a warning earlier in the year and said it has since shared its concerns with businesses and industry groups so that action can be taken to ensure products are safe and correctly labelled. It is currently reviewing sampling data from products on sale to assess whether they comply with UK food safety and labelling requirements.

Dubai chocolate allergy alert issued

Until that work is complete and full results are known, the FSA is advising consumers with allergies to avoid Dubai-style chocolate as a precaution.

Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, said: “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.

“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.”

She added that the FSA is reminding food businesses of their legal responsibility to ensure the products they sell are safe and accurately labelled, and said the agency has also shared information with allergy charities to help consumers make informed choices.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said it fully supports the FSA’s advice. Jessica Merryfield, Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner and Head of Policy and Campaigns at CTSI, said: “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.”

She said Trading Standards professionals across the UK are working closely with the FSA and affected businesses to ensure compliance.

The FSA said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates through its food alert system.