The study also found that 66% of people believe that UK waiting staff need more training on the impact of food allergies for people who live with them.
Tanya Pepin, managing director of TWC, said: “These figures are of real concern as 50%, half of our nation, isn't even close to being enough and with Natasha's Law coming into effect this month the industry needs to tackle this issue.
“We also found that over 10% of consumers claim to have a moderate or serious food allergy/intolerance and so operators do need to get this right to avoid another tragedy, as seen with Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, after whom the Law is named.
“Hospitality outlets need to work with the Food Standards Agency in order to protect our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours across the nation, who have food allergies and intolerances.
“There has been plenty of notice of this Law coming into place and consumers who live with allergens want to have the confidence that they can enjoy a meal out without the fear of an adverse – or even fatal - reaction.”
Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse are one of the keynote speakers today at the LACA Main Event. They will talk to attendees about the work of NARF (Natasha Allergy Research Foundation) and the role the school food sector needs to play as Natasha’s Law came into effect from 1 October 2021.