‘Do Not Eat’ Warning as Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar Faces Urgent Recall
A viral chocolate bar inspired by the Dubai-style trend has been urgently recalled by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) due to an allergy risk.
The Noesis Schokolade Love of Dubai bar, which has gained significant popularity, particularly on TikTok, has been found to contain peanuts, a hidden ingredient that could pose a serious health risk for allergy sufferers.
This recall comes amid growing concerns about allergen labeling in imported products. Although peanuts are not listed on the packaging, the chocolate bar contains the nut, which can cause severe reactions in individuals with peanut allergies.
A Rising Trend With Hidden Dangers
The Love of Dubai chocolate bar is part of a larger viral trend that has taken over social media, particularly on TikTok, where food trends quickly gain massive traction.
The trend, which centres around chocolate bars with a creamy pistachio filling, originated from Dubai in 2024. As the bar’s popularity grew, it sparked an increase in pistachio prices globally. However, its viral success has also brought to light significant concerns about its safety.
According to the FSA, this recall is linked to issues with allergen labelling and the incomplete list of ingredients on the packaging.
The chocolate bar was not originally intended for the UK market, meaning it may not meet the country’s strict food safety standards. This includes proper allergen labelling, which is crucial for protecting consumers from accidental exposure to harmful ingredients.
While the FSA has yet to contact the manufacturer, Black Sea Trading Ltd, it is working closely with distributors and local health authorities to ensure the product is promptly pulled from shelves.
This is the second warning issued by the FSA concerning imported Dubai-style chocolate bars. The agency has also expressed concern about other similar products, which may not comply with UK regulations, such as the use of unapproved additives or colourings.
Increased Vigilance Needed for Imported Products
The recall highlights a growing issue with imported foods that are not manufactured to meet UK standards. While the vast majority of food products sold in the UK are safe, the FSA has cautioned that some imported items, such as these Dubai-style chocolate bars, may pose significant risks, particularly to consumers with allergies.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Adviser to the FSA, emphasised that food safety should not be compromised, especially when it comes to allergens.
He advised consumers to purchase products from trusted retailers, as these are more likely to meet UK food safety requirements. With the rise of viral food trends, ensuring proper labelling and consumer safety will be critical in the months ahead.
