Natasha's Law on Allergens

Are you fully compliant with new legislation (Natasha’s Law) on allergens in food which came into force on October 1st 2021? 

Many people are aware of the sad case of Natasha Ednan Laperouse who had a known allergy to nuts. She bought a sandwich from Pret a Manger at Heathrow in 2019 after checking the label for allergens carefully and was satisfied the sandwich would be safe for her to eat. Unfortunately, at the time the legal requirement on providing information on allergens covered food prepared off-site only and not food made on the premises. Natasha sadly experienced anaphylactic shock from sesame seeds in the bread and whilst she herself took appropriate action and her medical responders did, the allergic reaction was fatal.

Natasha’s law means that allfood made on the premises and pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) now has to be labelled with -

• Name of the food.
• Full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised (for example in bold, italics or a different colour).

This means even small businesses serving food to go such as coffee shops, cold takeaway/bakeries, delicatessens and food stalls will now all come under allergen legislation for the first time if they make and sell their own pre-packaged food on their premises. It’s not about who you are as a food retailer it’s about what you do (note this law does not apply on food to order).

If you are responsible for understanding and interpreting the legislation for your business then book onto our 1-day Food Labelling and LegislationCourse. If you have specific management responsibilities (at all levels) then the 1-day HABC (Level 3) Award in Allergen Management for Catering may be appropriate. Our course tutors are registered BRCGS trainers and are highly experienced and knowledgeable in Food Safety.