Natasha’s Law – 4 Things To Do To Ensure You Get It Right

Natasha’s Law

Natasha’s Law is now in place and after 2 years of notice, food businesses should have all their allergen labelling correct and in place.

However, many don’t yet seem to be aware of the new law.

Here is what you need to do to ensure you get it right.

But first:

WHAT needs to be considered?

Natasha’s Law considers allergens that are in foods that are PrePacked for Direct Sale or PPDS.

WHAT is PPDS?

This is food prepared on the premises and then packed before a customer orders it.

Examples:

Quiches or cakes packed before a customer chooses them i.e. they may be displayed in packaging in a unit or cabinet.
Packs/bags of rolls or bread.
Salads and other deli items, sold ready packed in containers.
Packaged sandwiches.
Burgers cooked then wrapped and left under a hot lamp before sale.
Raw burgers and sausages or marinated meats packed and labelled before ordering (e.g. vacuum packed or on a tray and wrapped in film).
Food packed and then sold on a mobile stall or at an event.
Samples of items such as cookies which are given away but packed on the site where they are produced.
Food made and pre-wrapped by schools or care homes for purchase or service later in the day.

What is NOT PPDS?

Butchery items displayed and then packaged for the customer on purchase.
Items bought from a deli or bakery which are wrapped in front of the customer once they have been chosen.

What needs to be done:

Ensure you are following all the guidance. There is specific guidance for some industries such as baking and butchery. https://www.food.gov.uk/allergen-labelling-changes-for-prepacked-for-direct-sale-ppds-food
Make sure ALL suppliers are supplying allergen information so that you can pass this on to customers.
Make sure all staff are trained. e. they understand allergens, what cross contact means, and what procedures are in place in the business.
Make sure you have an adequate process in place to label food that is Pre-Packed for Direct Sale. Ensure that you can change labels easily when alerted to changes in allergen content by a supplier.

Training on allergen awareness and anaphylaxis is available from https://safetyinaction.co.uk/training/

Find out more about this on our Allergens page

Thank you for reading.

Karen Meadows of Safety in Action Ltd.

If you think I can help your business do call on 07786622741 or email on info@safetyinaction.co.uk