FOOD pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) on site is now required to feature ingredient and allergen labelling under new legislation.
Items such as sandwiches packaged on site by staff for sale on premises will be now need to feature a full list of ingredients – with allergens in bold.
It comes following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating a pre-packed sandwich which at the time (2016) did not require ingredients labelling.
As well as applying to cafés and delis, the new legislation also relates to food items which have been packaged before being offered for sale from a mobile or temporary business – such as a market stall or food truck owned by the same company.
Food Standards Scotland chief executive, Geoff Ogle, said, “This is a huge step in helping improve the quality of life for around two million people living with food allergies in the UK – with 200,000 of those living here in Scotland.
“If these changes drive down the number of hospital admissions caused by food allergies, which has increased threefold over the past 20 years, and prevent further tragic deaths such as Natasha’s, that can only be a positive thing.
“I understand how difficult the past 18 months have been for food businesses, and I am grateful for the effort that so many have made to prepare for the changes.
“Food Standards Scotland has carried out extensive stakeholder engagement across the industry on the benefits, risks and impacts of this new legislation and has developed a suite of support assets. We will continue to highlight the changes and support retailers with practical guidance and online resources.”
Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, added, “The introduction of Natasha’s Law is a bittersweet moment for us. We are delighted that people with food allergies will now have great protection through improved labelling and we know in our hearts that Natasha would be very proud of a new law in her name. However, the new law also reminds us that Natasha’s death was completely avoidable.
“Natasha’s Law is about saving lives and marks a major milestone in our campaign to support people in this country with food allergies.
“This change in the law will give people with food allergies confidence when they are buying pre-packaged food for direct sale such as sandwiches and salads. Everyone should be able to consume food safely.”
