Since Natasha's Law took effect, the bar for food allergen communication in the UK has been raised significantly — and the consequences for getting it wrong are serious.
The 14 allergens you must declare
UK food law requires you to identify these 14 allergens whenever they're used as ingredients: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, and tree nuts.
Pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS)
Natasha's Law specifically targets PPDS food — items packed on the same premises they're sold from. Sandwiches, salads and bakery items prepared for grab-and-go sale fall under this rule. They must carry a full ingredient list with allergens emphasised.
Front-of-house communication
Menu cards, verbal communication, and training all matter. Every member of staff who could be asked about an ingredient should be able to either answer accurately or fetch someone who can. This is where training records become essential evidence of due diligence.
What to do this week
- Audit your PPDS labels against the 14-allergen list - Run a 15-minute team briefing on allergen communication - Ensure all team members complete certified allergen awareness training annually
Our free Food Allergens awareness course is a good starting point for new starters, with our Level 2 Food Hygiene course covering the topic in depth.
