Natasha’s Law is already making an impact both for businesses and allergen sufferers.
Following a tragic death caused by a severe reaction to a pre-prepared baguette, the government set out plans to implement a law to protect those with allergens and allow them to make safe choices.
What does it mean for my business?
Currently food which is prepared on premises doesn’t have to display allergen information on food labels. This can result in a lack of consumer confidence about the food they’re buying and what it contains.
As of October 2021, Natasha’s Law will come into effect, but many businesses have already started to prepare, developing clear labelling for any prepacked products for direct sale (PPDS).
Whether you operate a small café or deli, or you are part of a larger franchised network operating multiple sales channels, you must show all the ingredients on individual packaging.
Pubs and restaurants aren’t directly affected but many of these establishments are being encouraged, where possible, to clearly show ingredients.
What is PPDS food? PPDS is food which is packaged on the premises where it is sold to consumers. The product has to be in this packaging before it is either selected or ordered. These foods can include ones that have been displayed and then selected or food sold from mobile units.
If you’re not sure whether the products you sell come under the classification of prepacked products for direct sale, there are various criteria where you can check.
Food that isn’t classed as PPDS • Products that at the time of order is not in packaging or is packaged. These are known as non-prepacked food and do not require a label featuring the ingredients and allergens. Allergen information must still be provided but this can be done via other means including verbally. • Food that has been packed by one business and supplied to another business.
This is prepacked food and already must have full labelling, including the name of the food and a full ingredient list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within it.
