Natasha’s Law, introduced on 1 October 2021, has transformed food safety standards across the UK. The legislation requires food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and clear allergen labelling on foods that are prepacked for direct sale (PPDS).
This law is a major step forward in protecting millions of people with food allergies and it places clear responsibilities on food businesses to ensure transparency and safety.
What Is Natasha’s Law?
Natasha’s Law applies to foods that are prepacked on-site and sold directly to customers. This includes:
- Sandwiches or salads prepared and packaged in-store
- Items kept behind a counter for customer selection
- Food sold at temporary outlets such as stalls or pop-ups
All PPDS food must now include:
- A full ingredients list
- Allergens clearly highlighted (e.g. bold, italics, or colour)
This ensures customers can quickly identify ingredients that may pose a risk.
Why Natasha’s Law Matters
Food allergies are more common than many people realise:
- 39% of people in the UK have dietary requirements
- 2 million people live with food allergies
- Up to 6 million people are affected when including coeliac disease
Even more importantly:
- 88% of people either benefit directly from Natasha’s Law or know someone who does
For food businesses, clear allergen labelling is not just a legal requirement - it’s essential for:
- Building customer trust and confidence
- Attracting a growing customer base with dietary needs
- Ensuring customer safety and preventing serious harm
Natasha’s Story: The Tragedy Behind the Law
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse was a 15-year-old girl travelling with her father and a friend when she purchased a baguette from Pret a Manger at an airport.
Natasha had severe allergies and carefully checked the packaging. However, sesame seeds baked into the dough were not listed as an ingredient.
After eating the baguette, Natasha suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction and tragically passed away on 17 July 2016.
Her family campaigned tirelessly for change, leading to the introduction of Natasha’s Law - ensuring no other family has to experience the same loss.
The 14 Major Allergens That Must Be Declared
Under UK law, the following 14 allergens must always be clearly labelled if present:
- Celery
- Cereals containing gluten
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lupin
- Milk
- Molluscs
- Mustard
- Nuts
- Peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Soya (soybeans)
- Sulphur dioxide
These allergens must be clearly emphasised on packaging so they stand out to consumers.
The Reality of Allergic Reactions
Even the smallest trace of an allergen can trigger a serious reaction. For example:
- Just 1–2 sesame seeds
- A teaspoon of milk powder
can cause symptoms such as:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Wheezing and breathing difficulties
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening shock)
- In severe cases, death
This highlights why accurate and visible labelling is critical.
The Importance of Allergen Labelling
Clear allergen labelling plays a vital role in food safety:
- Helps customers avoid dangerous ingredients
- Reduces the risk of accidental exposure
- Supports medical professionals in identifying causes of reactions
Each year:
- Around 5,500 people are hospitalised due to severe food reactions
- This figure is increasing by approximately 10% annually
For many customers, labels are the first point of trust when choosing food. If labels are unclear, customers may avoid purchasing altogether.
Consumer Confidence Since Natasha’s Law
Research highlights the positive impact of the legislation:
- 87% of people with serious allergies feel more confident in pre-packaged food
- However, 1 in 7 allergy sufferers still report a lack of trust when eating out
Encouragingly:
- Two-thirds of these consumers say they are now more likely to purchase food out than before the law was introduced
This demonstrates how clear labelling directly influences customer behaviour and business success.
Allergen Labelling in Kitchens: Why It’s Essential
Food safety doesn’t stop at packaging - it starts in the kitchen.
Effective allergen management includes:
- Clear ingredient labelling and storage systems
- Tracking freeze, defrost, and use-by dates
- Preventing cross-contamination
To minimise risks, businesses should:
- Implement an allergen control system
- Store ingredients in clearly labelled, separate areas
- Ensure all staff receive allergen awareness training
Food business operators must take responsibility for ensuring that allergens are properly managed throughout preparation and service.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Future for Everyone
Natasha’s Law is more than just legislation - it’s a life-saving measure that has reshaped how food businesses operate.
By providing clear, accurate allergen information, businesses can:
- Protect their customers
- Build lasting trust
- Contribute to a safer food environment across the UK
Ultimately, good allergen labelling doesn’t just meet legal requirements - it saves lives.