New law to enforce stricter labelling rules for pre-packaged food

A new law requiring food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods has been announced by the government.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to introduce ‘Natasha’s Law’ by summer 2021 in an effort to protect food allergy sufferers.

Named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the new law will strengthen existing labelling requirements.

Currently written allergen information is only required on pre-packaged food prepared off-site. The new law would require businesses to ensure that food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is also labelled with an ingredients and allergens list.

Commenting on the new law, Natasha Ednan-Laperouse’s parents Tanya and Nadim said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has announced the government’s decision to go ahead with full allergen and ingredient labelling.

“While Natasha’s Law comes too late to save our beloved daughter, we believe that helping save other allergy sufferers and their families from the enduring agony that we will always bear is a fitting legacy for her life.”

The government plans to introduce legislation by the end of this summer mandating full ingredients labelling for foods pre-packed for direct sale, ahead of the law coming into force.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove commented: “Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law.

“These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices.”

Allergy UK CEO Carla Jones praised the announcement, adding: “We are delighted with the news that Defra’s labelling review backs mandatory full ingredient labelling for pre-packed direct sale food.

“This move towards full ingredient labelling for pre-packed direct sale food will improve the lives of the allergic customer and it is warmly welcomed here at Allergy UK.”

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