Dubai’s viral chocolate craze sparks food safety concerns in the U.K.

• The Dubai-based chocolate “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It,” created by British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda, has become a viral sensation, leading to a significant increase in demand and even causing a pistachio shortage.
• The U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning about unregulated imports of Dubai-style chocolate bars, which have been found to contain illegal additives, mould toxins and potentially carcinogenic compounds, posing a risk to consumers, particularly those with allergies.
• The FSA emphasizes the dangers of these chocolates, especially for individuals with allergies, as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Approximately 10 people in the U.K. die annually from food-induced allergic reactions, with children being particularly vulnerable.
• The FSA advises consumers to purchase chocolate from trusted retailers and to carefully check labels for ingredient lists, allergen information and the contact details of the responsible business. Products made for the U.K. market must comply with specific labeling requirements.
• The FSA is collaborating with local authorities to remove unsafe products from the market and encourages consumers to report any suspicious chocolate products. By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can enjoy the trend safely.

The meteoric rise of Dubai’s viral chocolate, known as “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It,” has led to a surge in demand, prompting concerns over counterfeit products laced with harmful ingredients.

The U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently issued a warning to consumers on unregulated imports as it has identified several of the imported Dubai-style chocolate bars that contain illegal additives, mould toxins and potentially carcinogenic compounds, posing a significant risk to consumers, especially those with allergies.

The chocolate was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian chocolatier based in Dubai. Hamouda’s creation was initially a way to satisfy her pregnancy cravings, but it quickly became a viral sensation after a video of a food influencer enjoying the treat garnered over 100 million views on TikTok. The chocolate’s popularity has been so overwhelming that it has even been blamed for a shortage of pistachios, prompting major brands like Lindt and supermarkets such as Lidl and Waitrose to launch their own versions.

However, the chocolate’s success has attracted a darker side. The FSA has warned that some imported bars are being laced with dangerous additives and contaminants that could be carcinogenic. Professor Robin May, the FSA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, emphasized the risk, stating, “The vast majority of food in the U.K. 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.”

The allergen threat

Allergies are a serious concern, with approximately 10 Brits dying from food-induced allergic reactions each year and 5,000 people being hospitalized for severe reactions. Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can cause difficulty breathing and even cardiac arrest due to a lack of oxygen. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their smaller body size means even small amounts of allergens can trigger a severe reaction.

“If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, like the ones you’d use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for U.K. consumers and so are safe to eat,” May said. He also urged consumers to check labels carefully. By law, products made for the U.K. market must have labels in English that list ingredients, highlight allergens and provide the name and address of the responsible business.

We are working closely with local authorities to make sure that any unsafe products are removed from sale as swiftly as possible,” May said. The agency is also encouraging consumers to report any suspicious products. “If you have concerns about chocolate that you see on sale, don’t buy it and instead report it to your local authority,” he added. (Related: Hidden dangers: Cocoa products found to be contaminated with high levels of cadmium and lead.)

For consumers, distinguishing between products made for the U.K. and those that are not can be challenging. The FSA advises that consumers look for labels that include the name of the food, a list of ingredients with allergens emphasized, the weight of the food in grams, a best before or use by date, and the name and address of the U.K. or EU business responsible for the product information. If the food is not from the U.K. or EU, the name and address of the importer must also be included.

The rise of Dubai’s viral chocolate has brought a new and exciting addition to the U.K.’s food scene, but it has also highlighted the potential dangers of unregulated imports. As consumers continue to seek out this trendy treat, the FSA’s warning serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize safety and vigilance. By adhering to the guidelines and purchasing from reputable sources, consumers can enjoy the indulgence without the risk.

Watch the video below that talks about heavy metals found in chocolates.

This video is from Exposing The Agenda channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com