The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings after a study revealed that 98% of Dubai-style chocolate bars sold in the UK failed safety tests. Out of 45 samples tested, only one passed every test and labelling requirement, according to the agency's Retail Surveillance Study.
Undeclared Allergens and Toxins Found
The FSA found that the sweet treats contained undeclared allergens and toxins, making them some of the least safe foods on the UK market. The study, conducted between July and December 2025, sampled 845 products from national supermarkets, independent retailers and online sellers.
Labelling Failures Prompt Swift Action
Labelling issues were identified in 42 of the 45 samples, including incorrect or missing use-by and best-before dates, allergens not clearly highlighted, ingredients not listed in the correct order, and lack of UK importer details. The Office for Product Safety and Standards stated: “Only one of the 45 samples of Dubai-style chocolate passed every test and labelling requirement, a finding that prompted the FSA to issue consumer warnings before Christmas 2025.”
FSA Director Emphasises Consumer Safety
Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the FSA, said: “Our role is to make sure the food people buy is safe and what it says it is. Consumer safety is our biggest priority. When we found that the majority of Dubai-style products did not pass our stringent food safety checks, we took immediate action, alerting Local Authorities to work with businesses and industry groups to make sure the products they sell are safe and correctly labelled.”
Programme Targets Known Risks
The programme was delivered in partnership by the three Local Authority Official Food and Feed Laboratories (OLs) and two private OLs in England and Wales. The FSA advised businesses to be vigilant and warned people with allergies not to eat Dubai-style chocolate.
