Natasha's Law proposals to be announced "shortly"

The family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse has welcomed confirmation from the governments that proposals for a ‘Natasha’s Law’ to require full labelling of allergen ingredients are due to be published shortly.
 
Fifteen-year-old Natasha died in July 2016 after eating a Pret a Manger baguette containing sesame to which she was severely allergic. There was no indication on the packaging of the baguette that sesame seeds had been baked into the dough.
 
Natasha’s parent Tanya and Nadim have since been fighting tirelessly for the law to be changed to introduce stricter regulations for food labelling to ensure all ingredients are listed with allergens clearly marked in bold.
 
They have been campaigning for ‘Natasha’s Law’ as a tribute to their daughter in the hope that her death will bring about positive change and make things safer for allergy sufferers.
 
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, paid tribute to the family’s “inspirational work” this weekend. He told the Sunday Times: “The law must change and we are working at pace to bring forward proposals shortly.”
 
Nadim and Tanya told the Sunday Times: “‘Natasha’s Law’ is right in every sense. It is just being open about what is in food. Too often people with allergies are viewed as “fussy” or difficult and the seriousness of their condition is not appreciated.”
 
Michelle Victor, a partner at Leigh Day, which represents the family, said the food industry was not providing clear or consistent information to consumers.
 
She added: “The most important thing is that we see greater transparency to ensure consumer safety.”
 
Pret a Manger has stated it will introduce a full list of ingredients on its products, following a pilot.