Several popular chocolate products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled due to Salmonella contamination, which can cause food poisoning. Symptoms typically emerge between 12 and 72 hours after consumption and can last for four to seven days.
Salmonella has been found in Dubai Style Crunchy Knafeh and Pistachio Milk Chocolate, as well as in Alyan Dubai Style Chocolate Truffles. World of Sweets is withdrawing the products across England and Northern Ireland.
Recall details and affected products
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a recall notice for these items, stating: "Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps."
The agency advised: "If you have bought any of the above products do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund."
All best-before dates are included in the recall. The affected products are:
- Alyan Dubai Style Chocolate Truffles – product code 319456, pack size 120g, best before all dates
- Alyan Dubai Style Crunchy Knafeh and Pistachio Milk Chocolate – product code 318591, pack size 100g, best before all dates
What consumers should do
World of Sweets said: "Do not consume the affected product. Please keep the affected product and its packaging separate from other food."
Customers who purchased the chocolate from World of Sweets must contact its customer service team and provide their order number and the quantity of affected products. The company added: "Our CS team will advise you on the next steps. You may be asked to safely dispose of the product and provide proof of disposal, including the physical product. Alternatively, we can arrange for the affected product to be collected from you. Once the collection has been completed and the goods have been returned, our CS team will process your refund."
Those who bought the chocolate elsewhere should contact the relevant retailer and supply proof of purchase.
Health guidance on Salmonella
According to the NHS, there are over 2,500 different types of Salmonella, with most people becoming infected through consuming contaminated food. The NHS explained: "Salmonella can be found in foods such as eggs, chicken, pork and dairy products. Fruit and vegetables can also carry the bacteria if they've been in contact with livestock, manure or untreated water."
Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. For most sufferers, recovery involves resting at home and drinking plenty of clear fluids. The NHS advised calling NHS 111 for signs of dehydration that do not improve with rehydration sachets, inability to keep fluids down, bloody diarrhoea, or diarrhoea lasting more than three days, and for babies under 12 months or children under five showing signs of dehydration. It said to call 999 or go to A&E for more serious symptoms such as vomiting blood, sudden severe headache or tummy ache, breathing difficulties, confusion, or blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin.
