Imported 'Dubai style' chocolate poses risk to people with coeliac disease

12 June 2025

These products may pose a risk to people with coeliac disease, food allergies and intolerances, due to unclear, unreliable, or non compliant ingredient labelling. 

The FSA has highlighted that some of these imported chocolates, often sold online or through local or specialist retailers, do not meet UK food labelling standards. This means they might: 

  • Lack a full ingredients list 
  • Fail to clearly highlight allergens 
  • Contain additives or colours not permitted in the UK 

In addition, Dubai-style chocolate usually contains kadayfi (or kataifi), a shredded wheat based pastry. As this is a gluten containing ingredient, these products are not suitable for a gluten free diet. 

If you have purchased this type of chocolate and are unsure of its safety, the FSA is advising that you not consume it.  
For full details, please read the FSA’s official alert.

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