TikTok Shop Food Listings Are Putting Lives at Risk: Why Food Compliance Matters More Than Ever
Introduction
In June 2025, a BBC News investigation¹ revealed a shocking breach of food safety on TikTok Shop, the e-commerce arm of the popular video platform. Sellers were found offering snacks and other edible products without legally required allergen and ingredient information—a potential death trap for millions of allergy sufferers in the UK.
This post breaks down what the BBC found, why it matters, what laws sellers are violating, and how your business can stay compliant and safe with the help of expert services like Global Import Agent.
What Did the BBC Discover?
BBC News found several TikTok Shop food sellers listing products like:
Squid Game-themed sweets: Marked with “not applicable” under both allergens and ingredients.
Burger-making kits: Contained milk and wheat (major allergens), but were listed with vague info like “flour” and “spices.”
Snacks and lollipops: No ingredient or allergen details provided at all.
When the BBC reported these to TikTok, the platform removed some listings—but the sellers themselves remained active, continuing to list other items without proper safety disclosures ¹.
Why This Is So Dangerous
Allergies are no joke. Over 2 million people in the UK live with food allergies ². Even trace amounts of milk, peanuts, or sesame can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. When products lack labelling, allergic customers may unknowingly consume a dangerous ingredient.
Simon Williams of Anaphylaxis UK said it plainly:
“If the ingredient and allergen information isn’t there, don’t buy it. You’re putting your life in grave danger.” ¹
TikTok’s Response and Shortcomings
TikTok stated it is committed to safe shopping and removed the flagged listings ¹. However, their current system allows sellers to skip allergen fields or input generic labels like “spices.” There are no automated checks to enforce proper labeling.
This is a critical failure compared to platforms like Amazon or Etsy, which require structured allergen and ingredient fields and routinely audit listings for safety.
What UK Law Requires (and What Sellers Are Violating)
1. Natasha’s Law
Passed after the tragic death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an undeclared allergen in a sandwich, this 2021 law requires that all pre-packed foods display full ingredient lists and highlight any of the 14 major allergens ³.
2. Distance Selling Rules
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) mandates that allergen information must be available:
Before purchase (e.g. on the product page)
At delivery (e.g. on packaging)
This applies whether you’re selling in a store, on a website, or through TikTok ⁴.
What Are the 14 Major Allergens?
Under UK law, businesses must highlight these allergens:
Celery
Cereals containing gluten (e.g. wheat)
Crustaceans
Eggs
Fish
Lupin
Milk
Molluscs
Mustard
Nuts (tree nuts)
Peanuts
Sesame seeds
Soya
Sulphur dioxide (sulphites)
(A custom infographic will be provided — stay tuned.)
Legal and Business Risks of Non-Compliance
If your TikTok Shop or food business fails to follow the rules, you face:
Fines and legal action by Trading Standards
Permanent bans from platforms like TikTok
Consumer backlash and reputational damage
Worst case: liability for serious injury or death
And these risks aren’t hypothetical. In recent years, food businesses in the UK have faced manslaughter charges for allergen-related deaths.
Don’t Risk It: Let Experts Help You Stay Compliant
Regulations are strict—and for good reason. But understanding and implementing them can be challenging, especially if you’re importing, rebranding, or scaling fast through TikTok Shop.
That’s where Global Import Agent comes in.
We help food businesses:
Review product labels for compliance
Verify allergen declarations
Navigate import/export paperwork
Register with UK local authorities
Prepare for inspections and audits
Our experts make sure you’re not just legal—but trustworthy in your customers’ eyes.
Conclusion
The TikTok Shop food scandal is a wake-up call. If you sell food online in the UK, you must meet allergen labelling requirements or risk serious consequences. But you don’t have to do it alone.
Partner with Global Import Agent today to protect your customers, your business, and your peace of mind.
