Food Allergen Labelling & Natasha's Law Check

Every food business in the UK, from a restaurant or café to a home baker or market stall, must give customers accurate information about 14 regulated allergens, including peanuts, milk, eggs, gluten-containing cereals, sesame and crustaceans. The rules come from retained Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers (Annex II lists the allergens), enforced in England by the Food Information Regulations 2014, with equivalent rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Since 1 October 2021, “Natasha’s Law” has required food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS), such as sandwiches and salads packed on site before a customer orders, to carry a full label with the food name and a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised. For loose food, allergen information must be available and you must tell customers how to get it.

Getting allergens wrong can kill. Trading standards and environmental health officers can serve improvement notices, and supplying food that is not of the nature, substance or quality demanded, or that is falsely described, is an offence under the Food Safety Act 1990 (ss.14 and 15). Serious cases are prosecuted, and fines are unlimited. Food businesses must also register with their local council at least 28 days before they start trading (Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, Article 6), including people selling food from home. This check shows whether your labels, menus, staff training and registration are in order.

Use this free tool to check whether your UK food business gives customers the allergen information the law requires, whether your Natasha’s Law labels are right, and whether you are registered with your council.