The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning for individuals with food allergies. It cautions that numerous products lack clear and accurate allergen labeling, which can present a serious safety risk.
By law, it is mandatory for labels to list all ingredients and distinctly highlight any of the 14 regulated allergens.
Individuals with allergies are advised against purchasing any Dubai-style chocolate products unless they are completely certain of their safety. Furthermore, they should report any concerns to the Local Authority where these products are sold.
The FSA is actively engaging with businesses, importers, and consumers to address these concerns.
While the majority of Dubai-style chocolate found in UK shops is deemed safe, the FSA has pinpointed certain products that pose health risks to allergy sufferers. These products may also contain additives and colors prohibited within the UK market.
The non-compliant products identified are currently undergoing survey and sampling to help the FSA evaluate the scope of the issue. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with allergy charities to raise consumer awareness about these risks.
“The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies,” stated Professor Robin May, chief scientific advisor to the FSA.
“If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, such as the ones you’d use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for UK consumers and therefore safe to eat.”
“Since it is challenging for consumers to differentiate between products made for the UK and those that aren’t, we recommend not purchasing the product unless you are certain it is intended for sale here. UK law mandates that food labels specify any of the 14 allergens present in the product, but some imported items may not adhere to this requirement. Additional information is available [on the FSA website].”
“If you have concerns about chocolate available for sale, please refrain from buying it and report it to your local authority. We are closely collaborating with local authorities to ensure that any unsafe products are swiftly removed from the market.”
