Surrey schools and businesses prepare for Natasha's Law
It changes the legislation around listing ingredients on food packaging
Schools and businesses in Surrey are preparing for a change in food legislation.
From 1st October Natasha's Law means food providers have to disclose full ingredient lists and allergen information on pre-packaged items.
It is being introduced following the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died in 2019 after suffering an allergic reaction to sesame seeds.
The ingredient was not listed on a pre-packed baguette and because there was no specific allergen information on the sandwich packaging, Natasha assumed it was safe for her to eat.
Pre-packed for direct sale’ (PPDS) food is food which is packaged at the same place as it is offered or sold to consumers and is in this packaging before it is ordered or selected.
Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards has been supporting local schools and catering outlets to ensure they have comprehensive policies and procedures in place ahead of the introduction of this new legislation.
Deputy Business Team Manager Andrew Pollard said:
“Our professional team of qualified experts offer an award-winning Primary Authority service, helping businesses manage relationships with local authorities across the UK, simplifying regulatory processes and reducing the cost of compliance.
"We have been working with our members to provide business advice and support, to ensure that everyone understands the new changes to the law and the actions they need to take ahead of 1 October.”
Twelve15’s Regional Catering Manager Mary Shipley said:
“We provide catering solutions to a wide range of school settings in Surrey, and we feel it’s important to help young people to make good food choices that will have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
"From 1 October schools will be required to list all ingredients and emphasise the allergens on the labels of food made on site which is pre-packaged – such as snacks, sandwiches, wraps, salad pots or cakes.
"Food safety is our top priority, so it has been incredibly reassuring to receive expert advice from Trading Standards to ensure we have effectively amended our policies and procedures to meet the new requirements.”