Natasha's Law
UK law requiring full ingredient labelling with allergens emphasised on all food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS).
Natasha's Law is the common name for the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019, which came into force on 1 October 2021. The law was introduced following the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016, a teenager who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating a Pret a Manger baguette containing sesame that was not listed on the packaging. The law requires all food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) to carry a label with a full list of ingredients, with the 14 declarable allergens emphasised (typically in bold). This was a significant change for many hospitality businesses that previously only needed to provide allergen information verbally for PPDS food.
Key Points
- In force since 1 October 2021 across the UK
- Requires full ingredient labelling on all food prepacked for direct sale (PPDS)
- The 14 allergens must be emphasised (usually in bold) in the ingredients list
- Labels must be on individual items, not just general signs
- Named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died from an allergic reaction in 2016
What Is Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS)?
PPDS food is food that has been packaged at the same premises from which it is sold or offered to consumers, and is packaged before a customer orders or selects it. Examples include sandwiches made in-house and wrapped in film or placed in a box before display, salad boxes prepared and sealed before customers arrive, cakes or pastries placed in bags or boxes before sale, and pizzas boxed up before a customer orders. PPDS does not include food that is packaged at a customer's request (for example, a sandwich made to order and wrapped while the customer waits), food that is sold loose or unpackaged (like food served on a plate in a restaurant), or food that is prepacked by a manufacturer and sold at a different premises (this has always required full labelling).
Labelling Requirements
Under Natasha's Law, every PPDS item must carry a label that includes the name of the food and a full ingredients list. Within the ingredients list, the 14 declarable allergens must be emphasised so they stand out from the rest of the list. The most common way to do this is by printing allergen-containing ingredients in bold. For example: "Bread (wheat flour, water, yeast, salt), butter (milk), cheddar cheese (milk), pickle (mustard)". The label must be attached to or clearly associated with the individual food item, not just a general sign near the display.
How to Comply
To comply with Natasha's Law, start by identifying all PPDS food in your business. For each item, create a complete recipe with every ingredient listed. Identify which of the 14 allergens are present. Create labels that include the product name and the full ingredients list with allergens emphasised. Ensure labels are updated whenever a recipe or supplier changes. Train staff to understand what PPDS means and the importance of accurate labelling. Implement a system for checking that labels are correct and applied to every item. Digital allergen management systems like Paddl can help by maintaining accurate allergen data and generating labels automatically when recipes change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Natasha's Law apply to food served on a plate?
No. Food served directly to a customer on a plate, in a bowl, or otherwise not prepacked is classed as non-prepacked food. For this food, you must be able to provide allergen information on request but you do not need a printed label with ingredients. Natasha's Law only applies to food that is prepacked for direct sale.
What if I make a sandwich to order and wrap it?
If the food is packaged at the customer's specific request and in their presence, it is not classed as PPDS and does not need a label under Natasha's Law. However, if you make sandwiches in advance and wrap them before customers arrive, those are PPDS and must be labelled.
What is the penalty for not complying?
Non-compliance with food allergen labelling requirements can result in enforcement action from your local authority, including Hygiene Improvement Notices, prosecution, and potentially unlimited fines. If a customer suffers an allergic reaction due to incorrect or missing labelling, the business and individuals responsible could face criminal charges including gross negligence manslaughter.
Does this law apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yes. Equivalent regulations have been introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland, applying the same PPDS labelling requirements. The Food Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 and The Food Information (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 mirror the English regulations.
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