Natasha’s Law requires all food businesses to provide full ingredients labelling on food that has been pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS). The new legislation is designed to better protect those with allergies and give them greater confidence in the food they purchase out-of-home.
In 2016 Natasha Ednan-Laperouse passed away after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette. In the UK an estimated 7% of children suffer from a food allergy. While some reactions can be treated, some can be more severe or even fatal.
UKHospitality has worked closely with members and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over the past two years to shape this legislation.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “We recognise transparency around allergens is a key issue for customers and we continue to support the Government’s agenda on improving food safety and clarity of information available.
“With the ongoing disruption to the supply chain and new rules on calorie labelling rules due to come into force in April 2022, there is a real risk that further legislation being introduced over the next few months puts the brakes on our recovery.
“We therefore urge the Government to consider delaying the implementation of upcoming calorie labelling legislation, to give businesses the required time to get back on their feet and prepare for future food labelling changes in a reasonable timeframe.”