‘Natasha’s Law’ to protect allergy sufferers
Written by Defra Press Office
BBC, Sky News, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail and others reported that the law will be introduced in a drive to protect the country’s two million food allergy sufferers following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette.
Under current laws, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence buying food out.
The new legislation will tighten the rules by requiring foods that are pre-packed directly for sale to carry a full list of ingredients.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:
“Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law.
“These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices.”
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse’s parents Tanya and Nadim said:
“We are absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has announced the government’s decision to go ahead with full allergen and ingredient labelling. While Natasha’s Law comes too late to save our beloved daughter, we believe that helping save other allergy sufferers and their families from the enduring agony that we will always bear is a fitting legacy for her life.
“We would personally like to thank Michael Gove and Health Secretary Matt Hancock for their unflinching support in doing the right thing on behalf of all people with allergies, and their support in setting up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation which we are launching today in Natasha’s memory.”
The new laws will come into force by summer 2021 – giving businesses time to adapt to the change.
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