020 7650 1200

Natasha

Lawyers for parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse 'elated' after charity launch

Lawyers representing the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse say they are elated as the Government announces 'Natasha's law' whilst new allergy foundation is launched.

Posted on 25 June 2019

The lawyers representing the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to sesame seeds hidden in a baguette, have said they are elated on this ‘incredible day’ as the Government announces ‘Natasha’s law’ whilst new allergy foundation is launched.
 
The new law, which will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, comes on the same day as Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse announced the launch of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (www.narf.org.uk).


 


The charity will aim to set up a global allergen research centre at the University of Southampton to seek a cure for allergies through pioneering research.
 
Michelle Victor from the product safety and consumer law team at Leigh Day, who has been representing Mr and Mrs Ednan-Laperouse, said:
 
“This is an incredible day; we could not have imagined when we first met with Nadim and Tanya 2 years ago how far we would come together and how their incredible energy and belief could change the lives of so many. We really feel elated at this double-whammy against the ever-rising tide of allergies in this country and across the world.”
 
In today’s announcement the Environment Secretary Michael Gove confirmed the new legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, will be brought forward by the end of summer to strengthen allergen labelling rules.
 
Jill Paterson from Leigh Day, who represented Mr and Mrs Ednan-Laperouse at the inquest into their daughter’s death said:
 
“We have not stopped smiling since we heard the news of this new legislation. Through the trauma of the inquest this incredible couple have shone a light onto a poor law which had such tragic consequences for their daughter. To change that law, and to do so with such dignity, has been an inspiration for us all.”
 

Speaking about the charity Natasha’s mother Tanya said: 

“We are currently in discussions with Southampton University to create a global allergy research centre. It will be ground-breaking, the first of its kind, a central hub where our allergy teams will have access to experienced medical staff, equipment and infrastructure by being part of a larger network of researchers.
 
“Here we will fund and harness allergy medical breakthroughs, support academic and industry research and develop new therapies that will offer hope for effective allergy treatments; never taking our eyes of our goal, always working towards finding a cure.”