Everything you need to know about the UK's allergen labelling law — what it is, who it applies to, how to stay compliant, and what happens if you don't.
Natasha's Law came into force on 1 October 2021, following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to a baguette purchased from a Pret a Manger shop that did not carry allergen information on its label.
The law amends the Food Information Regulations 2014 and requires food businesses to display full ingredient and allergen information on prepacked food for direct sale (PPDS) — food packed on the same premises where it is sold, such as a sandwich wrapped at the counter or a salad made and sealed in the shop.
Before the law, PPDS food was exempt from full ingredient labelling, meaning customers with allergies had to ask staff — and rely on the answer being right. Natasha's Law closes that gap by making allergen information visible before purchase, in writing, on every PPDS item.
Natasha's Law applies to every food business in the UK that sells PPDS food — regardless of size. That includes:
Businesses serving non-prepacked food (food made to order, or unpackaged food sold at a counter) aren't covered by the PPDS labelling rules, but they must still provide allergen information under the Food Information Regulations — in writing or orally, at the point of ordering.
Whatever you sell, you must highlight if your food contains any of the 14 legally recognised allergens:
Work through these steps to make sure your business is compliant:
Label every PPDS item with a full list of ingredients
Emphasise the 14 major allergens in the ingredients list (e.g. bold, capitals)
Provide allergen information for all non-prepacked food, in writing or orally
Make allergen information available at the point of ordering — not just on request
Keep ingredient and recipe records accurate and up to date
Train all staff to answer allergen questions confidently
Review your labelling whenever recipes or suppliers change
Use clear, legible labelling that customers can read easily
Natasha's Law is enforced by local authority trading standards teams. Failing to comply is a criminal offence under the Food Safety Act 1990, and the consequences can be severe:
Natasha's Law is a UK food safety regulation that came into force on 1 October 2021. It requires all food businesses to display full ingredient and allergen information on prepacked food for direct sale (PPDS) — food packed on the same premises where it's sold.
It applies to every food business in the UK that sells PPDS food, including restaurants, cafés, takeaways, bakeries, sandwich shops, delis, and food trucks. Businesses serving non-prepacked food must also provide allergen information under the wider Food Information Regulations.
PPDS is food that is packed on the same premises where it is sold, and is put on sale in that state. Examples include a sandwich wrapped at the counter in a café, a salad box made and sealed in the shop, or pastries bagged at a bakery.
You must declare all 14 major allergens: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, and sulphur dioxide/sulphites.
Non-compliance is a criminal offence under the Food Safety Act 1990. Businesses can face fines, enforcement action, prosecution, and serious cases can lead to unlimited fines or imprisonment. Beyond legal penalties, a single allergic reaction can permanently damage a business's reputation.
A simple, plain-English guide to understanding Natasha's Law for UK restaurants.
Downloadable checklist of all major allergens required by Natasha's Law.
Allergen rules for different types of food businesses in the UK.
Our digital menus display clear, searchable allergen information on every dish — so your customers can check allergens instantly and your business stays Natasha's Law compliant.
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