British food regulator warns of ALLERGY risk linked to viral Dubai chocolate
By ramontomeydw // 2025-12-18
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  • A viral Dubai-based chocolate, "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," has led to dangerous counterfeit versions entering the market, posing serious risks, especially to people with food allergies.
  • The U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings after tests found counterfeit bars contained undeclared allergens like peanuts and sesame, illegal additives, mould toxins, and carcinogenic compounds.
  • Authorities emphasize that failing to declare allergens is both illegal and highly dangerous, noting that roughly 10 people in the U.K. die each year from food-induced allergic reactions.
  • The crisis exposes systemic gaps in food regulation, as unregulated imports bypass safety checks, eroding trust in food labeling and placing the burden of safety on consumers to scrutinize products.
  • The situation highlights how globalized food trends can outpace oversight, creating a "buyer beware" environment where reactive measures are insufficient to prevent potential public health hazards.
A viral chocolate sensation from Dubai, originally crafted to satisfy pregnancy cravings, has now become a dangerous gamble for unsuspecting consumers – particularly those with food allergies. The British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued urgent warnings about counterfeit versions of these luxurious bars, which have been found laced with undeclared allergens, illegal additives, and even carcinogenic compounds. The chocolate in question, known as "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," was created by British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda. She blended pistachio, tahini (made from sesame seeds) and knafeh (crispy filo pastry) into a decadent chocolate-covered treat. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the chocolate's popularity has sparked a global craze, driving demand so high it caused a pistachio shortage. However, its popularity has also led to counterfeit versions laced with harmful ingredients, raising serious food safety concerns. What began as a social media-fueled holiday indulgence has exposed a dark underbelly of unregulated imports. The chocolate's meteoric rise to fame led to a flood of knockoffs – many of which bypass proper safety checks. In turn, its popularity raises critical questions about food safety, corporate accountability and the vulnerabilities of globalized supply chains. The FSA's investigation revealed that some of these bars contain hidden peanut and sesame, two potent allergens that can trigger deadly anaphylactic reactions. Worse still, tests uncovered illegal dyes, mold toxins and chemicals linked to cancer, turning what should be a festive delight into a potential health hazard. Rebecca Sudworth, the FSA's director of policy, minced no words: "People with an allergy should not eat Dubai-style chocolate." The regulator estimates that roughly 10 Britons die annually from food-induced allergic reactions, with children at heightened risk due to their smaller body mass. For parents unaware of a child's allergy, an unlabeled snack could spell disaster.

Dubai delight or dangerous deception? FSA calls for vigilance

Jessica Merryfield of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) stressed that allergen nondisclosure isn't just negligent – it's illegal. "To not do this is illegal and also highly dangerous," she warned, urging businesses to comply immediately. The FSA's advisory underscores a broader crisis: the erosion of trust in food labeling. Legitimate products sold in the U.K. must list allergens prominently, include manufacturer details, and display weights and expiration dates. Yet counterfeiters exploit loopholes, flooding markets with mislabeled goods. The FSA advises consumers to scrutinize labels for English-language compliance and purchase only from reputable retailers. While this advice is practical, it places the burden of safety on shoppers rather than regulators. This scandal echoes historical failures in food oversight, from the melamine-tainted milk crisis in China to the U.S. peanut salmonella outbreaks. Each time, profit motives trumped public health until tragedy forced reform. Here, the stakes are just as high – particularly as holiday gifting season amplifies demand. The FSA continues to test suspect chocolates, but its reactive approach highlights systemic gaps in preemptive import controls. Those without allergies may indulge cautiously, but for vulnerable populations, the risks far outweigh the allure of a trendy treat. As global food trends outpace regulation, this episode serves as a stark reminder that not all luxuries are safe – and that vigilance is the price of indulgence. Until authorities tighten enforcement, the sweetest gifts may carry the bitterest consequences. Watch this video about heavy metals like lead and cadmium being detected in chocolate. This video is from the Exposing The Agenda channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk Food.gov.uk BrightU.ai Independent.co.uk Brighteon.com
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