Scientists made a disturbing statement for fans of Dubai chocolate

Potentially dangerous substances, including carcinogens, were found in cheap versions of popular Dubai chocolate produced in the UAE and Turkey. This conclusion was reached by specialists from the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) in Stuttgart, reports Daily Mail.

The original chocolate went viral on social media in 2024. It is a bar with a crunchy filling made of pistachio paste, tahini, and kataifi dough. The recipe's author is Dubai confectioner Sara Hamouda, who created this dessert during her pregnancy to satisfy her sweet cravings. The popularity of the treat led to the emergence of numerous inexpensive alternatives.

German experts decided to check the quality of such products and in 2024 tested eight samples: five from the UAE and three from Turkey. In most of the bars, harmful compounds and traces of cheap ingredients were found.

For instance, 3-MCPD was detected in six out of eight samples - a substance formed during the processing of vegetable oils, especially palm oil. In five bars from the UAE, its level exceeded permissible standards. Additionally, glycidyl esters were found in the chocolate, which can break down into glycidol - another potentially carcinogenic substance.