A BBC investigation has found people selling snacks and sweets on the social media app without highlighting the presence of the 14 main allergens, prompting a charity to warn consumers off the stores.
Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, said: “If the ingredient and allergen information isn’t there, don’t buy it. You’re putting your life in grave danger.”
Allergens listed as ‘not applicable’
The BBC investigation found sellers providing sweets and other food items but listing ingredients and allergens as ‘not applicable’.
Listings on TikTok Shop show people selling snacks and sweets without highlighting they contain one of the 14 main allergens that UK businesses are legally required to declare.
When the BBC brought these listings to TikTok’s attention, it deleted them and said: “TikTok Shop is committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience.”
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A TikTok spokesperson said: “We have policies and processes in place with our sellers to ensure the safety of food and beverages sold on our platform and we will remove products that breach these policies.”
However, it is currently possible to sell food on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergy information.
Viral TikTok food
TikTok trends often cause food to go viral, whether it is baked feta pasta or Dubai chocolate, but although the app is known for its fun appeal, sellers must still comply with regulations.
Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) – which is responsible for food safety in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – said: “Wherever people buy their food, it needs to be safe and what it says it is.
“Food businesses in the UK must be registered with their local authority and follow food law. All food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food and provide allergen information.”
The FSA website says that if food is sold online or over the phone through “distance selling”, then allergen information must be provided at two different stages in the order process.
Last year, warnings were issued over heaters sold on TikTok and Temu that had a risk of exploding, causing electric shocks or starting fires.
