The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a consumer alert regarding certain Dubai-style chocolate products sold in Britain, warning that some may pose health risks due to banned additives or improper labeling, particularly for people with food allergies.
While emphasizing that the majority of Dubai-style chocolates available in the UK are safe, the FSA cautioned that a number of products—especially those imported from outside the UAE—could contain non-compliant ingredients or lack clear allergen labeling. These concerns are especially pressing for consumers with food intolerances.
“The vast majority of food in the UK is safe,” said Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser at the FSA. “But some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.”
Dubai-style chocolate, known for its pistachio fillings and delicate filo pastry crunch, gained viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, with fans across Europe queuing up to buy bars that can cost up to €25. This surge in demand has led to similar products being manufactured and distributed from other countries under the “Dubai chocolate” label—even when they have no direct connection to the emirate.
Earlier this year, a German court ruled that products labeled “Dubai chocolate” must genuinely originate from Dubai, following a case involving misleading branding in a supermarket. German customs officials also seized 90kg of the luxury chocolate from a woman at Hamburg Airport, citing unpaid import duties.
In the UK, the FSA stressed the importance of sourcing such products from reputable retailers to ensure safety and compliance. “If you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless you’re certain it’s intended for sale here,” Professor May said. “UK law requires food labels to highlight any of 14 allergens present in the product, but some imported products may not do this.”
The agency is working with local authorities and allergy support groups to monitor the market and raise public awareness. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious or improperly labeled Dubai-style chocolate products to the authorities.
