Natasha’s Law: Protecting Lives with Clear Allergen Labelling

What is Natasha’s Law?

Natasha’s Law, introduced in October 2021, is a landmark regulation that has transformed food allergen labelling in the UK. Named in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the law requires all pre-packaged foods for direct sale (PPDS) to display a full ingredients list with all allergens clearly highlighted. By closing a dangerous loophole in food safety, Natasha’s Law helps to protect people in the UK living with food allergies by making it easier for people with food allergies to make safer choices.

Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBEs, Natasha’s parents, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for stronger allergen labelling laws.

“The introduction of Natasha’s Law brings greater transparency about what people are buying and eating, lays down new standards for food companies, and highlights the battle against the growing epidemic of allergies.” – Zac Goldsmith, Food Minister

The History Behind Natasha’s Law

Natasha’s Story

Natasha loved olives and artichokes. On a trip through Heathrow Airport, she bought a pre-packaged baguette from Pret a Manger. The packaging did not list sesame seeds, and Natasha, reassured by this, ate it on her flight to Nice. Tragically, she suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction due to hidden sesame seeds in the baguette.

This tragedy exposed a legal loophole allowing pre-packaged foods from large retailers to be sold without full allergen labelling.

“If the baguette had been properly labelled, Natasha would not have died. Natasha was always extremely careful to check the food labels and until that terrible day in 2016 hadn’t had a severe allergic reaction for over nine years.” - Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBEs

The Path to Change

• 2019 - Nadim and Tanya raised public awareness of UK food regulations after Natasha’s death.

• January 2019 - Michael Gove launched a consultation for new allergen labelling regulations.

• September 2019 - Natasha’s Law was formally proposed in Parliament, requiring full ingredient labelling for pre-packaged foods.

• October 2021 - Natasha’s Law came into effect, giving businesses time to comply and ensuring safer choices for allergy sufferers.

“In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.” – Dr Sean Cummings, Coroner

Why Allergen Labelling Matters

Food allergies affect 1 in 4 people in the UK, with both children and adults increasingly diagnosed with severe allergies. Before Natasha’s Law, allergen labelling was inconsistent, confusing, and often inadequate.

Research & Statistics

• Only 37% of Brits find allergen labelling easy to interpret (Mintel)

• 48% are unsure whether labels are clear, and 15% have no confidence in them

• 88% of the public support Natasha’s Law

Key Benefits

• Clear, consistent allergen labelling

• Full ingredients lists for pre-packaged foods

• Greater consumer confidence and safety

“Ambiguous allergen labelling poses dangerous health risks. There is a strong demand for a UK-wide standard that makes allergens clear and consistent on all packaging.” – Emma Clifford, Mintel

Public Support and Impact

The government consultation considered:

1. Promoting best practice (non-regulatory)

2. Asking staff for allergen information

3. Allergen labelling on packaging (Top 14 allergens)

4. Full ingredient labelling (Natasha’s Law)

Natasha’s law has become a milestone for food allergy safety, influencing how food businesses operate and protecting the growing number of people with food allergies.

A recent Food Standards Agency survey highlighted its positive impact. It showed significant compliance by food businesses, greater awareness by both consumers and businesses, and a burgeoning trend of shop staff asking customers whether or not they had allergies. Above all, it showed consumers feel safer. 

“Natasha would be immensely proud of the law in her name because it has transformed the everyday lives of hundreds of thousands in this country – particularly younger people who are more likely to purchase ‘food on the go’ from sandwich shops.

For them, food allergy is not a choice or a preference, it is a serious and unpredictable disease that can cause a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Thanks to Natasha’s Law, they can pick up a sandwich at lunchtime and feel confident that what they are eating is not going to do them any harm. Some now eat a wider variety of meals, because transparent labelling means they can trust what does and doesn’t contain allergens. It has improved the quality of life of families, taking away some of the stress and fear of having a child with a food allergy.” - Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBEs

Legacy and Awareness

Natasha’s story has changed the UK food industry forever.

Natasha’s legacy ensures:

• Safer food labelling practices

• Increased awareness of food allergies

• Empowerment for consumers to make informed choices

Natasha’s Law has raised vital standards across the food industry, increasing transparency, consumer trust, and overall food safety.

The law highlights the Top 14 allergens but also reflects the growing demand for clearer, more consistent food labelling of all ingredients.

Through education, awareness, and enforcement, Natasha’s Law sets a powerful new benchmark for allergen labelling, not only in the UK but also as a model for future food safety regulations worldwide. Change often comes from tragedy. Natasha’s Law is a testament to the power of advocacy and public support in creating safer environments for all.

For more information on Allergens and food labelling guidance, visit the Food Standards Agency