Help for those unprepared for Natasha’s law

The company produced research in September indicating that eight out of ten food business owners feel unprepared for Natasha’s law, despite the fact that it comes into effect from 1 October.

The legislation, which demands more comprehensive ingredients labelling of food, followed the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a severe allergic reaction to a baguette containing sesame seeds which were not declared on the label.

Chris Tyas, chair of GS1 UK, said: “One of the biggest concerns surrounding Natasha’s law is whether businesses will be able to quickly and accurately get up to date allergen information – especially smaller businesses whose ingredients may change daily.

“Yet the research shows that these small businesses are the least prepared.

“It is vital that the whole food supply chain has the ability to capture and access the full range of allergen data to implement the requirements of Natasha’s law.

“To comply successfully we believe the continued digitalisation of the supply chain is much needed, a recommendation that is also at the heart of the recently released National Food Strategy.”

The advisory website is at https://www.gs1uk.org/feed-us-the-facts/business