TikTok Shop is under fire after a BBC investigation revealed that users are selling food products without disclosing crucial allergen information. The platform, which allows users to buy and sell goods, has been accused of failing to enforce its own guidelines on food safety.
Findings of the Investigation
The investigation uncovered that several sellers on TikTok Shop were listing snacks and sweets without highlighting the presence of one of the 14 main allergens that UK businesses are legally required to declare. These allergens include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
When the issue was brought to their attention by the BBC, TikTok deleted the problematic listings and stated: "TikTok Shop is committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience." However, it remains possible for sellers to list food products without providing any ingredient or allergy information.
Warnings from Allergy Experts
Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK—an organization that supports people with severe allergies—warned allergy sufferers:
"If the ingredient and allergen information isn’t there, don’t buy it. You’re putting your life in grave danger."
A spokesperson for TikTok claimed:
"We have policies and processes in place with our sellers to ensure the safety of food and beverages sold on our platform."
They added that they will remove products that breach these policies. Despite this assurance, several sellers continue to operate on TikTok while violating guidelines.
Examples of Non-compliance
- One seller was found offering a sweet treat related to Netflix’s Squid Game with no ingredients or allergens listed.
- Another seller advertised burger kits containing milk but described them as containing only spices.
The company behind this product claimed they had followed guidelines set out by TikTok but refused to provide evidence when asked for clarification. UK Snack Supply also failed to list ingredients or potential allergies despite having thousands of followers on their account.
All three companies remain active sellers on TikTok, even though adverts were pulled after being flagged by the BBC.
Call for Greater Regulation
In response to concerns about food safety online, Anaphylaxis UK has called for greater regulation from government bodies such as Trading Standards officers, who enforce consumer law across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Mr. Williams stated:
"We need more action from government bodies like Trading Standards officers who enforce consumer law across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. TikTok needs better controls around what can be sold through their app, especially when it comes to dangerous foods like peanuts."
He also emphasized the need for greater awareness among consumers about the dangers of improperly handled foods:
"Allergies are not just something you get over time; they’re lifelong conditions. If you have an allergic reaction, it can kill you within minutes, so we need people to understand how serious this is."
Advice for Consumers
Mr. Williams urged parents, particularly those with young children, to take steps to protect themselves against potentially deadly allergic reactions:
- Always check for ingredient or allergy information before making a purchase.
By being vigilant, consumers can help ensure their safety when shopping online.
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