The viral Dubai chocolate has taken the world by storm. Known for being loaded with pistachios, shredded kadayif, and sometimes tahini—a thick sauce made from sesame seeds. At its core, the appeal of Dubai chocolate lies in its unique fusion of traditional Middle Eastern flavours with modern confectionery techniques, making it a cross between traditional chocolate and iconic regional desserts like Turkish baklava and kunafah.

However, according to experts, this chocolate is not all it seems. To keep up with the rising demand, several chocolate makers are now making local dupes of this hugely popular treat. Experts are flagging this chocolate for the various side effects it is causing to your health.

According to experts, a key issue some health experts have raised about this sensational chocolate is the presence of aflatoxins - toxic substances produced by moulds, especially in improperly stored nuts such as pistachios.

Doctors say aflatoxins are linked to severe health risks - including liver damage and even deadly cancer. Prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible liver damage, with aflatoxin-related liver cancer being among the most aggressive and deadly forms of the disease.

Also, the chocolate is tweaked on recipes at various places depending on what people like. Many manufacturers are now adding sesame seeds - which pose a threat to consumers who have sesame allergies—like stomach-related issues, rashes, hives, and other dangerous reactions.

According to a study conducted in Germany earlier this month, Dubai chocolate bars imported from the Middle East are filled with nasty additives and contaminants, which include highly toxic palm oil, green food dyes, and chemical compounds thought to be carcinogenic.

The research, conducted by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Stuttgart, found traces of palm oil - a cheap and accessible oil high in saturated fat - which has long been associated with heart disease and cancer. What's more, the presence of contaminated palm oil in the chocolate caused the formation of 3-MCPD, a dangerous compound thought to be carcinogenic in humans.

There have been several recalls of Dubai chocolate products across various parts of the world due to contamination with Salmonella - an infection with Salmonella bacteria that causes diarrhoea, fever, and stomach pains. Salmonella usually goes away on its own in a few days. You should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Many people also experience digestive discomfort, which includes constipation and nausea, after consuming this chocolate.

Also known as `Can't Get Knafeh Of It,' it was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian Dubai-based chocolatier, as a new way to satiate her pregnancy cravings. And since then, it has taken the world by storm, with everyone trying to recreate the original.

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