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‘Natasha’s Law’ introduced to protect allergy sufferers
and give them confidence in the food they buy
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Legislation laid today requires full ingredients
labelling on pre-packaged for direct sale food
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: New law a ‘fitting
tribute’ to the Ednan-Laperouse’s tireless
campaigning
Millions of allergy sufferers across the
country will be protected by a new law laid in Parliament today,
requiring food businesses to include full ingredients labelling
on pre-packed for direct sale foods.
Following the tragic death of Natasha
Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an
allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the government
confirmed stronger laws would be implemented to protect those
with allergies and give them greater confidence in the food they
buy.
Currently, food prepared on the premises in
which it is sold is not required to display allergen information
on the label, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence
buying food to eat whilst they are out.
A Statutory Instrument (SI) will be laid in
Parliament later today (5 September 2019) tightening the rules by
requiring these foods to carry a full list of ingredients - known
as ‘Natasha’s Law’.
Food Minister said:
“This is a significant moment for the millions
of allergy sufferers in England and a fitting tribute to Nadim
and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse’s tireless campaigning.
“The introduction of this law will make it
easier for allergy sufferers to make clear, safe choices when
buying food.”
The family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse
said:
"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.
"Natasha was a spirited campaigner for justice
and today she is smiling down on us knowing that this law well
help ensure others do not suffer in the way our family does, and
always will, following the loss of our beloved daughter and
sister.
"We would like to thank ministers for their
unflinching support in doing the right thing on behalf of all
people with allergies."
‘Natasha’s Law’ will come into force in
October 2021, giving businesses a transition period to prepare
for the new rules. The FSA will publish information for industry
on October 1 to help ensure that businesses of all sizes can
prepare and adapt to these changes.
The Food Standards Agency Chair,
Heather Hancock said:
“This is an important and welcome step towards
our ambition for the UK to become the best place in the world for
people who have food allergies and
intolerances.
“I encourage businesses large and small to
work with the Food Standards Agency to get this right.
Success will mean more choice and better protection for the
millions of people –
our families, friends,
colleagues and neighbours across the UK – who have food allergies.”
The reforms cover labelling requirements for
foods that are prepared and packed on the same premises from
which they are sold – such as a packaged sandwich or salad made
by staff earlier in the day and placed on a shelf for
purchase.
Currently these foods, known as pre-packed
directly for sale, are not required to have product labels which
provide information on the full ingredients or the allergens
contained.
Food businesses across the country have
already taken steps to improve food labelling and outlets are
being urged to do all they can ahead of the implementation date
to help consumers make safe food choices.
