KTC Edibles Ltd (KTC), a UK edible oil supplier to foodservice, wholesalers and food manufacturers, has entered into a three-year strategic partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, to support the organisation’s goal of preventing and eradicating food allergies.

As part of the partnership, KTC said it will raise ‘significant’ funds for Natasha’s foundation through a series of charity events and fundraisers starting in 2023.

This comes as global guidance from BSI identified in April 2023 that a common factor in food safety incidents is people, rather than machinery or equipment failure.

Paresh Mehta, CEO of KTC said: “As one of the country’s leading food businesses, we take our commitment to food safety very seriously! Ensuring that products are safe for people living with allergies is essential – and we see it as our responsibility to take an active role in tackling the allergy history.”

The partnership follows initial fundraising earlier in the year. In June 2023, CEO Mehta climbed Ben Nevis, raising £4,236 for the charity in the process.

Understanding and preventing allergic disease

Natasha’s Foundation was set up by Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse following the death of their daughter Natasha in 2016. They successfully campaigned for ‘Natasha’s Law’ which requires all food outlets to provide full ingredients lists with clear allergen labelling on food pre-packaged for direct sale.

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is dedicated to understanding the causes of allergic disease, and developing ways to prevent, treat and ultimately eradicate allergic disease, starting with food allergy, hoping to create a world that is safe for everyone.

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE said: “Up to three million people in the UK now live with food allergies. That’s why we are delighted to welcome KTC Edibles as one of our corporate partners to join us in the fight to make allergy history by funding our work in education, policy and research.

“Every individual has the right to feel and be safe in their environment, be that home, school, work, or out with friends and family. The mission of Natasha’s Foundation is to make food allergy history, through scientific research, policy/regulation and education and awareness. This support from KTC Edibles will help us deliver on our mission. It will help those living with life-threatening food allergies, lead safer and more inclusive lives.”