Natasha’s Law: Survey shows UK businesses are “oblivious” to upcoming allergen labeling legislation

02 Sep 2021 --- There are just a few weeks left for UK businesses to prepare for the enforcement of Natasha’s Law – which requires food providers to disclose full ingredient lists and allergen information on pre-packaged foods – in honor of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died after eating a Pret a Manger baguette.

But a new survey reveals that as the October 1 deadline approaches, 81 percent of businesses do not feel prepared while 41 percent of them are “oblivious” to it.

Only a fraction of businesses are taking action
The new food legislation will be rolled out across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Ahead of the new rules coming into force, the non-profit GS1 UK published data looking into how businesses are shaping up for the regulation.

While the F&B sector remains largely in strong agreement that food allergen labeling should be compulsory, many have not begun taking action.The study reveals a stark level of unpreparedness across all sizes of businesses – from food manufacturers to wholesalers and grab-and-go operators.

While the F&B sector remains largely in strong agreement that food allergen labeling should be compulsory, many have not begun taking action accordingly.

In key stats illustrating food businesses’ preparedness, it is revealed that only 39 percent of employers are training staff on types of allergens ahead of Natasha’s Law coming into effect.

Far reaching impacts
Natasha’s Law will not just affect one area of the F&B industry, but will have far reaching effects across the entire supply chain – spanning nationwide chains and franchises.

The results showed an overwhelming agreement from business owners that if suppliers cannot provide the correct allergen information, then they will change suppliers.

This is shown to be of utmost importance among chain and franchise owners, with 79 percent agreeing that this would be the case.

Over two-thirds of those surveyed agree there should be more financial support from the UK government to help businesses with this transition.

What the future looks like
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Natasha’s Law is whether businesses will be able to accurately get up to date allergen information across their business and to the hands of customers, stresses GS1 UK.

It is vital that the whole food supply chain has the ability to capture and access the full range of allergen data to implement the requirements of Natasha’s Law.Therefore, it is vital that the whole food supply chain has the ability to capture and access the full range of allergen data to implement the requirements of Natasha’s Law.

“To successfully comply with Natasha’s Law we believe that the digitalization of the supply chain is crucial in order to help businesses get up to date allergy information as recommended in the recently released National Food Strategy,” states GS1 UK.

The focus on digitizing supply chains has remained a pillar of Innova Market Insights’ Top Trend for 2021, “Transparency Triumphs.”

Allergens in the spotlight
The ubiquity of food allergies spells huge demand for solutions that help affected consumers indulge without compromise.

To this end, Paradise Fruits Solutions by Jahncke launched a range of allergy-free nut flavored granules. The nut-free granulates have significant advantages because they offer an authentic nut taste and aroma, which are entirely natural.

Also addressing this need, Butter Buds developed an oil-based solution that allows manufacturers to replace block butter in many formulations, such as bakery products.

In Brazil, researchers at the Federal University of São Paul developed a recipe combining chickpea flour and psyllium, a plant-derived soluble fiber. A nutritionist at the university is pursuing a study line that focuses on improving gluten-free products in the country for consumers with a wheat allergy.

By Benjamin Ferrer