New allergy law welcomed by parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse
Natasha lost her life after an allergic reaction
Last updated 24th May 2022
The parents of a 15-year-old girl who died after suffering an allergic reaction have welcomed a new law that forces all food retailers to display ingredients of items like sandwiches.
Natasha's law comes into force today (1st October), following the death of Natasha Ednan Laperouse who died in 2018 after an allergic reaction after eating a baguette.
Her parents Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse campaigned for the change in the law after a food labelling loophole was highlighted at the inquest into her death in 2018.
It meant Natasha was unaware that the baguette she ate contained hidden sesame seeds, causing an allergic reaction.
The coroner concluded that Natasha would not have eaten the baguette if the seeds had been included on the label.
Natasha's law
The new law requires all food retailers to display full ingredient and allergen labelling on every food item made on the premises and pre-packed for direct sale - including sandwiches, cakes and salads.
Natasha's parents have welcomed the introduction of a new law in her name saying: "Natasha would be very proud."
Mr Ednan-Laperouse said:
"Natasha's Law is vital to protect the two to three million people in the UK living with food allergies from life-threatening allergic reactions.
"It is about saving lives and marks a major milestone in our campaign to support people in this country with food allergies.
Mrs Ednan-Laperouse also said:
"Nothing can bring Natasha back, and we have to live with that reality every day, but we know in our hearts that Natasha would be very proud that a new law in her name will help to protect others.
"Natasha was a very public-spirited young woman - she wanted to make a difference - so this feels like a fitting tribute to her."
'Nothing can bring Natasha back, and we have to live with that reality every day'
Natasha died on July 17, 2016 after eating a Pret a Manger artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette before boarding a flight at Heathrow airport to Nice with her father and best friend Bethany.
The baguette had sesame seeds, to which Natasha was severely allergic, baked into the dough.
Natasha suffered a severe allergic reaction within minutes of taking off. Her father administered two Epi-pens delivering potentially life-saving adrenaline but they did not work.
Natasha had multiple cardiac arrests on the flight and died later that day at a French hospital.