FAMILIES are being warned not to buy or eat fake Prime or Wonka chocolate because it could be dangerous.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it had received reports of counterfeit branded chocolate on sale and was working with Trading Standards to protect consumers.
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Prime, the popular drinks brand, told the FSA that it does not manufacture any Prime-branded food products, meaning the chocolate bars are fake and could be unsafe.
Tina Potter, of the FSA, said: “With Christmas coming up, don’t waste your money on fake branded chocolate for your children, friends or family.
“You won’t be getting what you think you are paying for and you don’t know what is in them.
“There could be a food safety risk, especially for those with food intolerances or allergies.
“We know there is a problem with potentially unsafe fake chocolate bars such as Wonka and Prime bars and we’re working with Trading Standards to protect consumers.
“Please do not buy or eat these bars and if you think you’ve bought a fake chocolate bar, or if you see something that does not seem right when you are shopping, report it to your Local Authority.”
The FSA said any Wonka bars sold in a shop, online or on a market stall “will not be the real thing”.
It warned that the ingredients list might not be correct and allergen labels may not have been applied correctly.
They may also have been made in unsafe environments.
The FSA said the Prime or Wonka bars could have been produced or repackaged by unregistered businesses, or by criminals who would not be following hygiene, labelling and traceability laws.
Fake Wonka Bars were removed from sale last year after they were found to contain allergens that were not listed on the label, posing a major health risk to anyone who suffers from a food allergy or intolerance.
Around 40 per cent of children have been diagnosed with an allergy in Britain, according to Allergy UK.
The four most common allergies in children are food allergy, eczema, asthma, and hay fever.
Deadly anaphylaxis is caused by the body’s immune system overreacting, and can be set off by allergies to anything from foods, like nuts or shellfish, to general anaesthetic.
Warning signs include feeling lightheaded or faint, difficulty breathing, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
Ambulances should also be rung immediately.