The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent health warning, urging people with food allergies to avoid eating a type of viral chocolate product that has become a popular gift and treat. The alert specifically concerns so-called 'Dubai-style' chocolate bars and gifts, which officials say may contain dangerous undeclared allergens.
Undeclared Allergens Pose Serious Risk
In a statement released on 16 December 2025, the FSA revealed it is aware that some of these fashionable chocolate products contain allergens like peanut and sesame that are not declared on their labels. For individuals with allergies, consuming such products could trigger a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, emphasised the danger: "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."
Pre-Christmas Safety Crackdown
With the festive season in full swing, the timing of the warning is critical. The FSA is currently reviewing sampling data from products on sale to check whether they meet the UK's strict food safety and labelling standards.
"With Christmas just around the corner, there is a risk that some products on sale may not meet our strict UK standards," Sudworth added. Her direct advice is clear: "People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate." She also advised the public to avoid buying these products as gifts for anyone with known allergies.
The agency has stressed that people without allergies can still consume these chocolates, particularly those supplied by reputable brands and retailers who comply with regulations.
Trading Standards Backs FSA Warning
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has thrown its full support behind the FSA's precautionary alert. Jessica Merryfield, a Chartered Trading Standards Practitioner and Head of Policy and Campaigns at CTSI, highlighted the legal and life-threatening implications.
"The legal requirements on this are clear - any food containing allergens needs to be clearly identified and labelled," Merryfield stated. "To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous as it makes such foods unsafe to those with food allergies."
She urged all food businesses, including importers and retailers, to take immediate steps to ensure compliance and advised any unsure businesses to contact their local Trading Standards service.
What a Safe Label Should Show
To help consumers identify correctly labelled products, the FSA has issued guidance on what reputable Dubai-style chocolate should display:
- The name of the food (e.g., 'milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling').
- A full list of ingredients, with allergens clearly emphasised.
- The net weight in grams.
- A 'best before' or 'use by' date.
- The name and address of the responsible UK, EU, or importer business.
The FSA is continuing to monitor the situation and has encouraged consumers to sign up for its food alerts to stay informed. The agency and Trading Standards are working together to maintain trust in the UK's food supply chain, especially during the busy festive period.
