On 1 October 2021, the law on allergen labelling for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods will change. This means that any food business selling PPDS foods will have to include full ingredients on the product label with allergenic ingredients emphasised within that list.
Also known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, the changes follow the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an allergic reaction caused by a prepacked baguette which, at the time, did not require allergen labelling.
PPDS foods can include salads and sandwiches that customers select themselves as well as pre-wrapped foods kept behind a counter and some products packaged and sold at mobile or temporary outlets.
Cllr Alison Rolf, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger & Safer Communities, said:
“We have been working with the FSA to encourage local food businesses currently selling PPDS products to visit the FSA website and use the sector guides that they have prepared. I would urge food businesses to make full use of the information available ahead of the 1 October deadline and give their customers the protection that this new labelling scheme offers.”
For more information visit - https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/ppds-food-labelling-webinar-for-uk-food-businesses The site has guides for bakeries, butchers, fast food and takeaways, mobile sellers, restaurants, cafes and pubs, and schools each giving practical information on PPDS and how these changes could impact a food business.