'Natasha's Law' on stricter food allergen labelling comes into force
‘Natasha’s Law’ is named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette in 2016.
Currently, foods such as packaged sandwiches and salads prepared on the premises in which they are sold are not required to display allergen information on the label.
But under new regulations businesses will be required to include a full list of ingredients on all pre-packed for direct sale foods.
'Natasha’s Law' will be laid before parliament today before being implemented in October 2021.
Ednan-Laperouse’s family says in a statement: “This is a hugely significant day for allergen sufferers in this country. The introduction of Natasha’s Law brings greater transparency about what people are buying and eating, lays down new standards for the food companies, and highlights the battle against the growing epidemic of allergies.”
Trade body UKHospitality previously raised concerns that the labelling would be difficult for small operators to implement, and encouraged businesses to maintain a dialogue with customers around allergens in food.
The changes will initially only apply to businesses in England, but similar arrangements are expected to follow in other parts of the UK.
Businesses will be given a transition period to prepare for the change, and the Food Standards Agency will publish guidance for operators on 1 October.
