“This is an important and welcome step towards our ambition for the UK to become the best place in the world for people who have food allergies and intolerances. I encourage businesses large and small to work with the Food Standards Agency to get this right,” says Heather Hancock, chair of the Food Standards Agency. “Success will mean more choice and better protection for the millions of people - our families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors across the UK - who have food allergies.”

The UK’s new law is the direct result of a countrywide effort following the death of a teenager, Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who ate a bread product that did not display allergen details on the packaging. The law will be named Natasha’s Law.

“The introduction of this law will make it easier for allergy sufferers to make clear, safe choices when buying food,” says Zac Goldsmith, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Food minister.

The changes will apply in England, with similar arrangements expected to follow throughout the UK to provide a wider approach to protecting consumers. The FSA is developing a working interpretation of the types of food to which this legislation applies. This will be published on October 1st, which will give food businesses 2 years to prepare for the transition and new labeling requirements.

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