On June 12, 2025, the Food Standards Agency issued a warning about so-called “Dubai-style” chocolate products being sold in the UK without proper allergen labelling, ingredient lists, or importer information. Some even contain banned additives not permitted under UK food law.
As someone who’s spent nearly 20 years recruiting technical professionals in the food manufacturing sector, and as a parent of a daughter with serious food allergies, this news hit close to home.
The Rise of a Trend—and the Risk Behind It
These sweet, pistachio or knafeh-filled bars have become an online sensation. But not all products flooding into the UK are regulated or labelled to our standards. While the original versions may be safe, some imitations or unofficial imports are being sold with vague or incorrect allergen information. For families like mine, this isn't just concerning, it’s frightening!
Consumers with allergies depend on labels to make decisions on whether a product is safe to eat or not. Without clear allergen declarations, parents like me are left guessing whether a treat could send their child to the hospital.
So…. What needs to be considered to stop these situations from happening in the future?
What Might This Mean for Food Industry Professionals?
For those working behind the scenes in quality assurance, technical, or regulatory roles, this issue highlights areas that could be worth reflecting on:
Supply Chain Awareness - Do we have full visibility into the origins and handling of new or imported products, especially those driven by fast-moving trends?
Procurement & Partnerships - Procurement teams might find it helpful to revisit their criteria. Are allergen standards clearly communicated and verified when onboarding niche or non-traditional suppliers?
Labelling Compliance - Spot-check packaging for compliance, ensuring allergens are not only listed, but displayed prominently in bold as required by UK regulations.
Collaboration Across the Chain - This may be a moment to encourage stronger communication between manufacturers, importers, and even local enforcement teams. Shared responsibility supports a safer food chain.
So what might change within Technical teams in light of this?
· Review supplier processes, especially for imported or niche products that are new to your business.
· Look again at allergen labelling, even on private label or co-packed goods. Small oversights can carry big consequences.
· Raise internal awareness by encouraging informal knowledge sharing on allergen control, even beyond your QA team.
· Stay ready with traceability protocols for newer products, especially when origin or ingredients aren’t fully standardised.
· Keep the consumer in mind. Allergy sufferers and their families rely on your expertise more than you may realise.
Why This Matters
In food manufacturing, technical teams are often the unsung heroes of public safety. Behind every barcode and label is a professional making sure it’s right.
For me, this isn’t just work. It’s about protecting children like my daughter and building an industry where consumers can trust every product on the shelf, no matter how trendy it may be.
Let’s use moments like this to reaffirm our shared commitment to safety, integrity, and empathy.
