Eight in ten businesses unready for Natasha’s law

Eight in 10 business owners feel unprepared for Natasha’s law, claims global standards organisation GSI UK. The law comes into effect on 1 October.

Natasha’s law – named in memory of the Natasha Ednan- Laperouse, who died after an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette – requires that all food businesses should provide full ingredient lists and allergen information on pre-packaged foods.

The research found that four in 10 businesses across the food industry have not even heard of the new regulations and just six in 10 have taken steps to get ready in advance of 1 October.

The study of businesses – which include food manufacturers, wholesalers and grab and go retailers – found that 80% of chains and franchises welcome more definitive and explanatory packaging whereas this figure was less than half amongst small independent businesses (39%).

What’s more, one-fifth of small independent businesses feel the new legislation is coming in too soon and does not leave enough time to adapt, whereas just 2% of food chains and franchises held this view.

Only 48% of employees in small independent businesses have heard of Natasha’s law and are the least likely to have heard the new regulations when compared to employees in other businesses.

There is a stark difference when compared to the 79% of  employees  from chains and franchises who were aware.

In total, 86% of business owners said it should be compulsory for food packaging to detail all possible allergens.

The research suggested that chain and franchise businesses are much more likely to be putting in place measures to help navigate the changes and be compliant by 1 October.

Despite there being agreement concerning the implementation of the new regulations, just over half of small and medium sized businesses have taken steps to be in a good position ahead of the new law.

Only 39% are providing training on types of allergens and more than one in five say that they are awaiting further training and guidance.

Some said that getting ready for new legislation takes time and money and 67% believe there should be more financial support from the government to help businesses with the transition.

James Bielby, chief executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD), said: “GS1 UK’s research highlights that it is vital businesses have access to a supplier’s full set of product information, with the stats making it clear that businesses across the industry would switch suppliers if they cannot provide the correct allergen information.

“The FWD is working hard to bring the industry together to collaborate on how to best provide information to food business operators ahead of Natasha’s law.”