A major new change in food labelling came into force on the 1 October which will help to protect consumers with allergies.
Councillor Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, said: “From October 1, the law will change requiring businesses that make and sell pre-packed food in the place it is then sold, to provide information on packaging about allergens such as nuts or dairy. This will be welcomed by consumers as clearer labelling will help to prevent serious allergic reactions and potentially save lives. We know that Hampshire’s businesses have been prepping for this change and we are reminding consumers that they can now expect to see this information in place.”
The new law requires foods which are classed as ‘pre-packed for direct sale’ to be labelled with full ingredients including the allergens they contain. This impacts on the sale of items such as pre-packed sandwiches which are packaged at the same place as offered for sale. The changes will also apply to businesses that sell their own pre-package food at other outlets they run, like market stalls or mobile food vans.
Natasha’s Law has been implemented following the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a baguette. Under current legislation, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing. It meant there was no specific allergen information on the packaging of the baguette that caused Natasha’s fatal reaction.
For more information about the allergen labelling changes visit GOV.UK
