Natasha’s Law

What is it and how will it impact your food service business

Natasha’s Law, which comes into effect from October 2021 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will require food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labeling on foods packaged for sale on the premises.

Natasha’s law is an eponymous law that was passed in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who sadly passed away after consuming a sandwich that contained undeclared sesame seeds in the product. This legislation aims to give confidence to allergy sufferers when purchasing products, by ensuring life-saving allergen information is present on food labels.

Are you prepared for Natasha’s Law?

What types of food are affected?

The law applies to food product category called ‘Foods Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PPDS), these are defined as:

“They are foods which are packaged at the same place they are offered to consumers. The food will be presented in the packaging before it is ordered or selected. They can include food that customers select themselves, as well as pre-wrapped products kept behind a counter. It can also include some food sold at mobile or temporary outlets.”

Any food that is not pre-packaged when it is ordered, or is loose and is packaged after being ordered, is not included.

What information is required on the label?

The requirement on food businesses to ensure all food items pre-packaged for direct sale will need to include a full ingredients list and allergen information. Labels will be required to show the following information:

The Name of the Food.
Full ingredients list with any allergenic ingredients emphasized.

Who is responsible for complying with Natasha’s Law?

It is the responsibility of any business that offers and sells PPDS on their premises to ensure compliance with these new requirements and they must provide all relevant ingredient and allergen information to their customers.

Failure to comply with the new regulations will attract substantial and unlimited financial penalties, and such a breach may carry a criminal offense.

Natasha’s Law

Are you prepared for Natasha’s Law?

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