A new law, announced by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, has been put into place that will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, for direct sale.
The legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, follows the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette.
The new law will mean that foods that are pre-packed, and directly for sale, will have to carry a full list of ingredients – aimed at giving allergy sufferers more comprehensive information.
The government will introduce the legislation by the end of summer and the new law will come into force by summer 2021 – giving businesses time to adapt to the change.
Minister, Michael Gove said: “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.”
Chair of the Food Standards Agency Heather Hancock added: “We want the UK to become the best place in the world for people living with food hypersensitivities.
“The impact of food allergy and intolerance on quality of life can be as great or even greater than almost all other foodborne diseases.
“Whilst it’s impossible to eliminate the risks entirely, we believe this change will mean better protection for allergic consumers.”
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.”
Michael Gove added: “Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law.”
