Natasha’s Law: Proper Labelling for Food Safety

What is Natasha’s Law?

The UK Food Information Amendment, commonly known as “Natasha’s Law,” was introduced to protect people with food allergies and ensure they can make safe, informed choices about the food they buy. Named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically passed away from an allergic reaction in 2016, this law aims to improve transparency within the food industry and strengthen trust between consumers and food businesses.

The legislation applies to any food prepared and packed on the same premises from which it is sold, such as items wrapped in foil, paper, or plastic film before being placed on display. Natasha’s Law is enforced across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, ensuring consistent allergen labelling standards throughout the UK.

What are Natasha’s Law’s Labelling Requirements?

Under Natasha’s Law, food businesses must provide clear, consistent, and detailed allergen labelling to protect customers with food allergies or intolerances. The specific requirements depend on how the food is prepared, packaged, and sold.

Prepacked Foods

Prepacked foods are items that have been sealed or packaged before being sold or served, such as bottled drinks, canned goods, or wrapped meals from factories or catering facilities. These products must include an ingredient list on the packaging, with allergens clearly marked.
This labelling helps customers easily identify any ingredient that could trigger an allergic reaction.

Labelling requirements for prepacked foods:

• Must clearly state the name of the food product

• Must include the full list of ingredients on the packaging

• Allergens must be emphasized, such as in bold, italics, or a different color.

Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) Foods

PPDS foods are prepared and packaged on the same premises where they are sold. These include items made in cafés, restaurants, or market stalls before being displayed for sale. Natasha’s Law mandates that their packages also feature full ingredient and allergen information, just like factory-prepacked foods. This ensures safety and consistent compliance across all types of food preparation environments.

Examples of PPDS foods:

• Sandwiches, pastries, or cookies packaged on-site before sale

• Burgers or fast food items prepared in advance and kept under heat lamps

• Prepacked meals such as salads, pasta pots, or pizzas prepared in the same venue

• Meat products like sausages or burgers packed by a butcher for retail

• Food served in institutions like schools, hospitals, and nursing home

Labels for PPDS foods must include:

• The name of the food

• A complete list of ingredients

• Highlighted allergens within the ingredient list (e.g., in bold or colored text)

Labeling Requirements | Mitti (by SafetyCulture)

Non-PPDS Foods

Non-PPDS foods are items that are not packaged before the customer orders. Common examples are meals prepared and plated at a restaurant or food wrapped after being chosen. These don’t require a written allergen label. However, businesses must still provide allergen information through other means. This flexibility allows food operators to communicate allergen details effectively while maintaining compliance.

For non-PPDS foods:

• Allergen information must be clearly communicated, either verbally or in writing.

• There’s no requirement for a full ingredient label on the packaging.

• If food is prepacked by another company, it must already include allergen labelling as per standard prepacked food rules.

Distance Selling

Businesses selling PPDS food via online platforms, apps, or telephone orders must make allergen information available to consumers before purchase and again at the point of delivery. Although Natasha’s Law doesn’t require printed labels for these sales, the allergen details must still be clearly accessible. This requirement helps ensure that customers with allergies are informed throughout the entire buying process.

Allergen information for distance selling should be provided:

• Before purchase - verbally or in writing (e.g., via menu or website)

• During delivery - in writing (stickers, printed menus) or verbally (by phone)

• Between order and delivery - allergen details should remain accessible in written form.

Takeaway and Mobile Food Vendors

Takeaway outlets, food trucks, and mobile sellers must ensure that all prepacked or PPDS items display correct allergen information and are easily identifiable by customers. By following these labelling rules, food vendors can protect customers, prevent allergic reactions, and build stronger trust in their products.

Key requirements for takeaway and mobile businesses:

• Each item should have clear allergen labelling.

• Use written menus or stickers to identify allergen-free and allergen-containing foods.

• Maintain accurate ingredient information for all items sold on-site or to-go.

In summary, Natasha’s Law places a strong emphasis on transparency, consistency, and safety across all types of food businesses. To ensure this, they must maintain clear communication with their suppliers, who are legally required to provide a complete and accurate list of ingredients. Every member of staff should also receive comprehensive allergen management training to understand Natasha’s Law and implement it effectively. Building awareness among employees reduces the risk of errors, promotes safer food handling, and enhances consumer trust.