News
03.12.2024 - Foods
Hype Around "Dubai Chocolate" – What's Behind It?
In Germany, "Dubai chocolate" is currently being hyped. These specially filled chocolate bars with ingredients such as pistachios, kadaifi ("angel hair"), and tahini (sesame paste) are known for their luxurious appearance. However, examinations by the CVUA Stuttgart, in collaboration with CVUAs Freiburg and Sigmaringen, reveal significant deficiencies in imported products from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey.
Results of the Examinations
Contaminants: Of eight analyzed samples, five contained alarmingly high levels of 3-Monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl fatty acid esters, which are considered harmful to health. These likely originate from low-quality palm oil.
Colorants: Seven samples contained undeclared colorants, including azo dyes, which can affect children's activity levels. Some products deceive with synthetic dyes suggesting a higher pistachio or strawberry content.
Chocolate or Substitute? Five of the eight products contained no cocoa butter, but rather palm oil or palm kernel oil, making them "cocoa-containing fat glazes." The declaration as "chocolate" is misleading.
Sesame Allergens: Three out of five samples contained undeclared sesame in high quantities, posing a danger to allergy sufferers.
Mold Toxins: One sample exceeded the legal limits for aflatoxins, a carcinogenic mold toxin. Pistachio preparations and sesame pastes from the trade were so far unremarkable.
Consumer Tips
Check for palm oil in the ingredient list to avoid contaminants like 3-MCPD.
Especially allergy sufferers should be cautious with "Dubai chocolate" as sesame is not always correctly declared.
Be wary of products with intense colors that could indicate undeclared colorants.
Conclusion
The examinations show that "Dubai chocolate" does not always live up to its promises. Low-quality ingredients are often used, and health-hazardous substances are found. The quality and safety of these high-priced products often do not align. Further investigations are in progress to better inform consumers.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for allergens, molds, etc. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are available to answer your questions.
Source: www.cvuas.de