Viral Dubai Chocolate becomes danger to human health

ISLAMABAD: A top-selling Dubai chocolate has been recalled from shelves after health authorities confirmed potential Salmonella contamination.

The Dubai Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate recall is connected to an investigation into an outbreak of foodborne illness, authorities said. Consumers are advised to stop buying the involved products now.

Public health officials have recommended that individuals who develop any symptoms of illness after consuming the chocolates should report to a doctor urgently. Consumers are also requested to search their homes for the recalled products and either discard them or return them to the shops.

Food safety experts emphasized that the Salmonella-contaminated products do not necessarily have or odor from anything else but can actually lead to severe illness.

Infection represents the highest risk for young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The symptoms are fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and headache. Long-term complications like arthritis may arise in the worst cases.

The product involved in the recall, Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, gained popularity because of its combination of creamy milk chocolate and pistachios and knafeh, a Middle Eastern treat. It is usually kept in stock in supermarkets, especially in the sweets and international foods area.