Natasha's Law
Revised legislation came into force on October 1st 2021 to further protect allergy sufferers and give them confidence in the food they purchase, by requiring more types of food to have potentially life-saving allergen information provided on the label.
Why have changes to allergen information been introduced?
Before 1 October 2021, the allergen information for these products could be provided by any means. This includes being informed verbally by staff.
Governments across the UK have decided that these foods will need to have ingredient and potentially life-saving allergen information provided on the label from 1 October 2021.
What types of food are affected?
The law applies to a category called ‘prepacked for direct sale’ (PPDS) i.e. food packaged at the same place it is offered or sold to the consumer which includes pre-wrapped products that are kept within a unit or behind a counter. PPDS food may be provided by coffee shops, restaurant chains, independent restaurants, supermarket and department store cafés, pubs and some food sold at mobile or temporary outlets.
What information is required on the label?
All PPDS food will need to have a label showing (i) the name and quantity of the food and (ii) a full ingredient list with the 14 declarable allergens clearly emphasised on the ingredients list when present.
What would happen if I do not comply with Natasha’s Law?
Failure to comply with the regulations will attract substantial and unlimited financial penalties, and such a breach may carry a criminal offence.
Does this affect my in-store bakery / food-to-go operation?
If you display any of your In-Store Bakery or Food-to-Go products packaged, then you are affected. Your Country Choice Sales Representative will be able to advise you further.
Need a Solution?
CCORAL is an end-to-end solution enabling your operation to comply with Natasha’s Law which came into force on Oct 1st, 2021 and is designed to further protect allergy suffers.
Our Labelling Solution
The Country Choice Online Recipe And Labelling solution (CCORAL) ensures you are able to comply with the new legislation. All you have to do is select the required label, print and apply.
Shelf Edge Labels (SEL)
SELs continue to support printer labels, providing all the information legally required of an in-store bakery or food-to-go operation. Each label includes the product description, price and other legal requirements such as allergens.
Proud to support NARF
Country Choice is partnering with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to raise awareness and implement innovative solutions to better serve customers with food allergies.
Allergens
What are the 14 specific major food allergen groups that are required to be declared on food labels and why?