Experts Warn Cheap Dubai Chocolates May Contain Carcinogens, Palm Oil, and Mold Toxins
Dubai Chocolate Craze Sparks Health Concerns Amid Imitation Boom
[Image: The viral Dubai chocolate bar with pistachio and kataifi filling, credited to Sarah Hamouda.]
Caption: The original "Can’t Get Knafeh Of It" bar combines pistachio, crispy kataifi pastry, and tahini, sparking a global obsession.
A Dubai-made chocolate bar has taken the world by storm, blending Middle Eastern flavors with social media virality. Created by British-Egyptian chocolatier Sarah Hamouda during her pregnancy, the "Can’t Get Knafeh Of It" bar features pistachio, angel hair pastry (kataifi), and sesame paste. Its limited availability via Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi fueled a frenzy, leading UK supermarkets like Lidl and Waitrose to launch their own versions. However, counterfeit bars flooded markets, raising alarming health concerns.
The Dark Side of the Chocolate Boom
A German investigation by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) Stuttgart tested eight imitation bars from the UAE and Turkey. Shockingly, six contained 3-MCPD, a carcinogenic compound formed during palm oil processing. Five exceeded safe limits, rendering them “unfit for consumption.” Other hazards included:
- Glycidol, another probable carcinogen.
- Aflatoxins, toxic molds linked to liver cancer.
- Artificial green dyes (E140/E141) to mimic pistachio content.
- Substitutes like palm oil instead of cocoa butter, violating EU chocolate standards.
[Image: Palm oil production in Malaysia, linked to deforestation and health risks.]
Caption: Palm oil, found in counterfeit bars, is tied to deforestation and contains 50% saturated fat.
Global Frenzy and Supermarket Chaos
The original bar’s TikTok fame led to chaotic scenes in UK stores. Lidl’s £4.99 “J.D. Gross” version sold 6,000 units in 72 minutes online, with shoppers queuing for hours. Waitrose imposed a two-bar limit after shelves emptied. Social media influencers documented early-morning rushes, with some stores hiding stock behind counters.
[Image: Shoppers crowd a Lidl aisle during the Dubai chocolate launch.]
Caption: Lidl shoppers queued at dawn for the Dubai chocolate dupe, causing aisle chaos.
Experts Urge Caution
CVUA warned that counterfeit bars often prioritize profit over safety, using cheap, harmful ingredients. Tina Potter of the UK Food Standards Agency advised vigilance: “Illegal imports may contain undeclared allergens or banned additives. Report suspicious products to Trading Standards.”
[Image: Aspergillus flavus mold, a source of aflatoxins found in some bars.]
Caption: Aflatoxins from mold, undetectable by taste, pose serious health risks.
The Creator’s Legacy
Hamouda’s Fix Dessert Chocolatier, founded in 2021, unintentionally sparked a phenomenon. While her authentic recipe remains a Dubai delicacy, the flood of imitations highlights the dangers of food trends. CVUA plans further tests on EU-made “Dubai chocolates,” stressing that high prices don’t guarantee quality.
[Image: Sarah Hamouda holding her signature chocolate creation.]
Caption: Creator Sarah Hamouda pioneered the bar as a pregnancy craving solution.
Conclusion
The Dubai chocolate craze underscores the power of social media in driving demand—and the risks of unregulated markets. As authorities crack down on unsafe imitations, consumers are urged to seek authentic products and stay informed. For now, the sweet allure of this treat comes with a bitter warning.
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