Natasha's Law to protect allergy sufferers confirmed by the government

The new regulations are the result of tireless campaigning by our clients Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse on behalf of their daughter Natasha who died from an allergic reaction.
 
Natasha’s Law requires food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packed for direct sale foods.
 
Under current regulations, food made on the premises it is to be sold at does not need to be labelled with allergens and customers are expected to ask staff for allergen information.
 
Fifteen-year-old Natasha died in July 2016 after eating a baguette from Pret a Manger which had sesame seeds - to which she was severely allergic -  baked into the dough.
 
Following her death an inquest was held which found that there was no specific allergen labelling on the packaging of the baguette. The Coroner also published a prevention of future deaths report which highlighted concerns including the inadequate labelling of allergens by Pret and the lack of a system for monitoring allergic reactions to their products.
 
Ever since her death her parents Nadim and Tanya have championed the need for greater awareness of allergies and the need for better allergen labelling. They took their fight all the way to the government, resulting in stronger laws that will protect millions of allergy sufferers.
 
In June 2019 the family launched the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (www.narf.org.uk). The charity has a clear aim to help and cure people with allergies. The charity will fund and support pioneering allergy research bringing the greatest scientific minds together working for cures & better medicine.
 
In response to the Statutory Instrument being laid in parliament for Natasha’s Law, the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse said:
 
“This is a hugely significant day for allergen sufferers in this country. The introduction of Natasha’s Law brings greater transparency about what people are buying and eating, lays down new standards for the food companies, and highlights the battle against the growing epidemic of allergies.
 
“Natasha was a spirited campaigner for justice and today she is smiling down on us knowing that this law well help ensure others do not suffer in the way our family does, and always will, following the loss of our beloved daughter and sister.
 
“We would like to thank ministers for their unflinching support in doing the right thing on behalf of all people with allergies.”
 
Jill Paterson, from law firm Leigh Day, who represented the Ednan-Laperouse family at Natasha’s inquest, said:
 
“We are so pleased for Natasha’s family that her legacy has finally been laid down in law. They have been fierce and unrelenting in their fight to protect the millions of allergy sufferers around the country who will now have greater protection and confidence thanks to their efforts.”
 
Michelle Victor, from Leigh Day, who represents the Ednan-Laperouse family, added:
 
“It has been incredibly humbling to be part of Nadim and Tanya’s fight for Natasha’s Law. Their drive to ensure that something good should come out of Natasha’s death has resulted in a truly fitting tribute to Natasha which will have a huge impact on allergy sufferers.”