“Let’s act now”: 2021 to see stricter labeling on UK pre-packaged foods, but is it too late?

09 Mar 2020 --- The death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, on a flight in July 2016, following an allergic reaction to a prepackaged baguette purchased at Heathrow Airport, has led to the introduction of stricter labeling regulations for pre-packaged food. The new legislation mandates full ingredient and allergen labeling on foods which are pre-packed for direct sale. The law applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and comes into effect from October 2021. However, one label company poses the question “Why wait?”

Some companies already display full ingredient labeling in prepackaged foods. On May 3, 2019, Pret a Manger introduced the practice in 20 UK stores. Pret a Manger was at the center of the case when Natasha died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette containing undeclared sesame. Following this tragic event, “Natasha’s Law” was introduced on September 5, 2019. Such events have drawn attention to the major risk many people with allergies face when eating out or purchasing snacks.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is developing a working interpretation of the types of food to which this legislation applies, which will give food businesses a 21-month transition period to prepare for the new requirements.

In May 2019, FoodIngredientsFirst reported that the FSA had advised that increased allergen information should be provided on prepackaged direct sale food. The FSA advice endorsing full ingredient labeling followed a UK government consultation, launched in January 2019, to strengthen allergen labeling laws.

Let’s act now?
Until now the retailer has been required to list allergens on a shelf label, but the foods themselves have not been required to carry labels and information on allergens, as it is assumed that the customer can speak with the person who made or packed the product for this information, says Alan Bryson of Tri-Label. “This has led to people mistakenly thinking that the food does not contain any allergens.”

“Natasha’s Law comes into effect from October 2021, but why wait?” muses Bryson. “This is an important health issue, but also one of corporate responsibility. The year 2021 is a long way off, so why leave risks in place when we, as an industry, could act right away?”

“We can, as an industry, improve our reputation immediately if we take action today rather than wait until 2021,” he declares.

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation also comments, “We believe 21 months is ample time for all foodservice providers to implement Natasha’s Law, however big or small the operation. The industry needs to show real leadership and work with vigor to protect the interests of customers, who are demanding clear labeling and transparency on products. This is about saving lives and sparing other families from grief. We urge the industry to get on with it.”

“The new legislation will mean a safer choice for consumers who suffer from allergies. It is a welcome improvement to a relaxed area of food labeling,” adds Bryson. “The need for allergy clarification has never been more apparent, and the demand on food producers to describe their products has increased the time and cost required to produce their goods,” he states.

“The law is one that has already been in place for all pre-packed foods. This is a tried and proven system of ingredients by weight and allergens highlighted accordingly – and software systems make this process manageable. This need not be a negative or onerous task, as with any challenge faced in our industry, this can also be an opportunity to shine. A responsibly labeled product will help drive sales and increase brand integrity,” he continues. “Natasha’s Law creates a great opportunity for the foodservice sector to enhance its reputation by acting to provide consumers with essential allergen information – and should act now.”

“We are deeply concerned that the industry as a whole is not mobilizing quickly enough,” adds Alex Noake, Tri-Star Managing Director. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green