After our 15-year old daughter Natasha died after having a severe allergic reaction to a pre-packed sandwich – which contained hidden sesame seeds baked into the dough of the baguette – we campaigned successfully to bring about change.
Natasha’s Law requires food retailers in England to include full allergens and ingredients labelling on pre-packed foods for sale, such as sandwiches, salads and cakes. The law was introduced in September last year and retailers have until October 2021 to implement the new rules. Currently, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information on the label.
The new law brings ‘greater transparency about what people are buying and eating’ and sets new standards for food companies at a time when food allergies are rising at epidemic levels.