The products have a Salmonella risk (Image: athima tongloom via Getty Images)
Several popular chocolate products have been withdrawn from sale and recalled due to a Salmonella contamination. The bacterial infection triggers food poisoning, with symptoms typically emerging between 12 and 72 hours following consumption.
The illness can last for four to seven days, with individuals advised to stay away from workplaces and schools. Salmonella has been found in Dubai Style Crunchy Knafeh and Pistachio Milk Chocolate, as well as in Alyan Dubai Style Chocolate Truffles. As a result, World of Sweets is withdrawing the products across England and Northern Ireland.
Every best-before date is included in the recall. 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.
“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.”
The agency further 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.”
Affected chocolate products
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
The chocolates have been recalled from customers (Image: FSA)
World of Sweets said: “Do not consume the affected product. Please keep the affected product and its packaging separate from other food.”
If you purchased the chocolate from World of Sweets, you must contact its customer service team and provide your order number and the quantity of affected products.
It 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.”
Should you have bought the chocolate elsewhere, contact the relevant retailer and supply proof of purchase.
According to the NHS, there are over 2,500 different types of Salmonella, with most people becoming infected through consuming contaminated food.
It 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, and for the majority of sufferers, recovery involves resting at home and drinking plenty of clear fluids.
The NHS said: “You should call NHS 111 if you or your child has signs of dehydration that don’t improve with rehydration sachets, can’t keep fluids down, have bloody diarrhoea, or have diarrhoea that is not reducing in three days. If you’re worried about a baby under 12 months, or a child under five shows signs of dehydration, call 111.
“Call 999 or go to AandE for more serious symptoms, such as vomiting blood, a sudden severe headache or tummy ache, breathing difficulties, confusion, or blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin.”