A recent investigation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has uncovered a disturbing trend of mislabelled food products available in the UK, particularly 'Dubai-style' chocolate and goat meat. The FSA's annual retail surveillance programme, which sampled 845 products from national supermarkets, independent shops, and online platforms between July and December 2025, has highlighted significant failings in labelling and authenticity.
Of the 45 samples of 'Dubai-style' chocolate tested, a staggering 44 failed to meet safety and labelling requirements. This included inadequate use-by and best-before dates, unclear allergen warnings, incorrect ingredient listings, and missing UK importer details – all crucial information that consumers rely on to make informed choices about their diet. The FSA issued urgent consumer warnings before Christmas 2025, advising businesses to be vigilant and cautioning individuals with allergies against consuming these products.
The survey also revealed concerning results for goat meat samples. Half of the 40 samples analysed contained only sheep meat, while others were found to be mixed with other meats, including deer. The FSA worked closely with the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) and Local Authorities to inform businesses about these authenticity issues as soon as they emerged.
The survey also highlighted ongoing concerns with slush-ice drinks, specifically relating to glycerol levels and warning posters in retail outlets. Following revised guidance on glycerol published in July 2025, the FSA continues to engage with manufacturers to encourage voluntary industry warnings and product reformulation to reduce glycerol content. Further sampling and research are planned for this summer to monitor compliance with FSA guidelines.
Rebecca Sudworth, Director of Policy at the FSA, acknowledged that while most samples met food safety standards, these findings highlight areas where public health may be at risk. She stressed that the FSA uses these results to inform evidence-based initiatives and protect consumers through targeted interventions. The unsatisfactory results from the survey have been shared with Local Authorities to enable them to consider any further necessary action.
The programme was a collaborative effort involving three Local Authority Official Food and Feed Laboratories and two private Official Laboratories in England and Wales, demonstrating the FSA's commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across the UK.