The Food Standards Agency has warned that some imported Dubai – style chocolate products could pose a risk to consumers with allergies. These products may lack a full ingredients list or allergen labelling, and some may also contain additives and colours not allowed on the UK market.
The agency said it had identified several such products that posed a health risk to allergy – prone consumers. It is surveying and sampling the products to assess the scale of the issue and working with allergy charities to raise consumer awareness of the risk.
Professor Robin May, the chief scientific adviser to the Food Standards Agency, said, “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.” He advised consumers to stick with trusted retailers when buying Dubai – style chocolate and not to purchase the product if they have allergies or intolerances unless they are certain it is intended for sale in the UK.
According to UK law, food labels must list all ingredients, clearly highlight any of the 14 regulated allergens, and include other details such as the product name, weight, and best – before or use – by date. Labels must also show the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information, or the name and address of the importer if the food is from outside the UK or EU. The agency warned consumers to look out for labelling details to check if a product is intended for sale in the UK and to report any concerns to their local authority.
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