What Is Natasha's Law?
Natasha's Law (the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019) requires all food businesses to provide full ingredient and allergen labelling on Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PPDS) foods. The law came into force on 1 October 2021 following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an allergic reaction to sesame in a baguette.
What Are PPDS Foods?
PPDS foods are those that are packed at the same place they are sold or offered to consumers, before the consumer selects or orders them. Examples include:
- Sandwiches and wraps made on site
- Salads made on site
- Bakery items packed on site
- Fast food packed before ordering
- Hotel breakfast items
- Café display items
What Must PPDS Labels Show?
PPDS labels must display:
- The name of the food
- The full ingredients list (in descending order of weight)
- Allergens highlighted in the ingredients list (bold, underline or contrasting colour)
The 14 Named Allergens
The 14 allergens that must be declared under EU Regulation 1169/2011:
- Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk
- Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia)
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
- Lupin
- Molluscs
Training Requirements Under Natasha's Law
Food businesses must ensure that all food handlers receive training on:
- The 14 named allergens
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Correct labelling of PPDS foods
- Communication with customers about allergens
- Emergency response to anaphylaxis
This training should be integrated into Level 2 Food Safety courses and refreshed regularly.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Natasha's Law can result in:
- Improvement notices from Environmental Health Officers
- Prosecution and unlimited fines
- Closure of the business
- Civil liability for harm caused to customers
Book Food Safety Training in Yorkshire
Livius Training provides Level 2 and Level 3 Food Safety courses covering allergen management and Natasha's Law. View food safety courses or call 01423 396780.
