Natasha’s Day – Celebrating a Legacy of Change
Why 1 October is Natasha’s Day
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is transforming the lives of people in the UK with food allergies.
Our work is inspired by Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died aged 15 after eating a baguette containing hidden sesame seeds to which she was allergic. Sesame wasn’t listed as an ingredient on the packaging. Had it been, Natasha would be alive today. Her death was entirely preventable.
Natasha’s Law – A Landmark in Food Safety
Each year, 1 October is Natasha’s Day – a time to celebrate Natasha's legacy of change. This date is deeply significant to Natasha’s Foundation: it was on October 1 2021 that Natasha’s Law came into force.
Thanks to the campaigning of Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya, this landmark legislation has transformed food labelling, providing millions of people with food allergies greater transparency and the confidence that the foods they buy are safe to eat.
“Natasha’s Law gives greater protection to the millions of people in the UK living with food allergies, allowing them to buy food and eat out with greater confidence.
“Everyone should be able to consume food safely. Natasha would be very proud of the ongoing impact Natasha’s Law has on the lives of people with food allergies.”
- Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBEs, Founders of Natasha’s Foundation.
Kitty’s Story Shows the Real Difference Natasha’s Law has Made
Kitty Clark
Kitty Clark, 21, is allergic to eggs, dairy and kiwi fruit. Before Natasha’s Law came into force, she was always worried about the ingredients in the food she ate.
Full ingredients labelling required by Natasha’s Law, now means she has confidence in the food she eats.
She said, “Natasha’s Law has changed my life in so many ways. In ways that are seemingly insignificant to most people, but to someone with severe food allergies, these changes make the world of difference.
“The first time I noticed Natasha’s Law had come into effect was when I picked up a box of sushi and noticed that the ingredients were printed on the back. Something that would go unnoticed to most but, for me, this meant I didn’t have to explain my food allergies to a tired member of staff, check if the food was safe to eat and wonder each time I bought it whether the recipe had changed.
“Seeing the ingredients printed gave me confidence. Natasha’s Law changed my relationship with eating food out entirely. It has also led to a shift in attitude towards food allergies. Now when I bring up my food allergies in cafes, or to servers, or to new colleagues or new friends, their reactions are no longer one of confusion, but of understanding and awareness.
“Natasha’s Law has improved the lives of people with food allergies immeasurably, and most likely saved some too. I am enormously grateful for the difference it has made to my life. I hope to see the cultural shift it began, continue to develop and grow, making the world a safer and more understanding place for people like me living with food allergies.”
Get Involved: Celebrate Natasha’s Day
Join us from Monday 29 September to Sunday 5 October to celebrate Natasha’s legacy and help raise awareness.
Ways to take part:
Share Your Story: Tell us how Natasha’s Law has made a difference.
Tag @natashasfoundation on social media and use the hashtag #NatashasDay
Take the 14 for 14 Challenge: Raise vital funds for Natasha’s Foundation.
Spread the Word: Share our social media posts to help raise allergy awareness.
