Introduction to Natasha·s Law
This guidance document is to support businesses to assess if they are affected by the new allergen labelling requirements (Natasha's Law) and if so, what actions are required.
The requirements for food sold 'prepacked for direct sale' (PPDS) food labelling will change across the whole of the UK from the 1st October 2021.
Any business that produces PPDS food will be required to label it with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within the list.
The purpose of the new requirement is to provide consumers with clear and detailed allergen information on PPDS foods. The requirement was decided by government following the death of Natasha Ed nan-Laperouse, who had an allergic reaction caused by a prepacked baguette which at the time did not require allergen labelling.
What do I need to do?
1. You will need to check whether you offer prepacked for direct sale food (PPDS). This guidance document will support you with this.
2. If you produce/ provide PPDS food then you will be required to label it appropriately, with a full ingredients list and allergenic ingredients emphasised.
What is classified as PPDS food?
PPDS is food which is packaged at the same premises it is offered or sold to consumers, and is in this packaging before it is ordered or selected.
This can include food that consumers select themselves (e.g. from a display unit or grab & go), as well as products kept behind a counter.
Some examples of PPDS foods which require labelling
• Pre-packed paninis or boxes of pizza which can be reheated at the consumer's request.
• Pre-packed sandwiches, pasta pots or salad boxes that are packaged before a customer orders.
• Pies in packaging.
• Soup already in pots.
• Bakery products which are packed on site before a consumer selects or orders.
Examples of food that is not prepacked for direct sale
PPDS does not include food that is not in packaging when the consumer orders it. Examples of foods that are not PPDS.
• Counter service - whereby the customer selects what they wish to eat from the food on offer and it is then plated or boxed up after selecting.
• Any food which is pre-ordered by the customer.
• Food which is packaged after the customer orders and is then delivered to the customer. E.g. pre-ordered room service, pre-ordered takeaway, pre-ordered packed lunches, hampers or picnics.
• Unpackaged cakes on display.
• Buffet salad bar, counter.
• Unpackaged complementary bread placed on tables. Non-prepacked (loose) food does not require a label and must meet current requirements for providing allergen information.
PPDS labelling information, what's required?
• Full name of the food
• Full ingredients list in weight order (includes the breakdown of compound ingredients used such as sauces, bread etc,)
• Allergens (the 14) must be emphasised within the ingredients list (e.g. in bold, italics, colour) There is NO requirement for weights, nutritional values etc. This only applies to pre-packed food not for direct sale (e.g. sandwiches made in a sandwich factory and then sold onto other food businesses)
