From 1 October 2021, new allergen legislation for pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food labelling (known as Natasha’s Law) comes into force.
What is PPDS food?
This is food prepared, pre-packed and offered or sold to consumers on the same premises. This includes food which a consumer selects themselves from a display unit as well as food kept behind a counter or food sold from temporary or mobile outlets.
From this date, food businesses are required to label all PPDS food, including any prepared and packaged on the premises, with a full ingredients list. The label must show the name of the food and the ingredients, highlighting the 14 allergenic ingredients required to be declared by law, so that they stand out.
Natasha’s Law was passed following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction after eating a baguette that lacked allergen labelling.
If your business services PPDS foods, The Food Standards Agency has sector-specific guidance for you here and further information is also available at The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation: Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (narf.org.uk)
