Introduction to Food Allergen Labelling UK
The new allergen labelling obligations for pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) food, otherwise known as Natasha’s Law, came into effect from 1 October 2021.
Businesses that supply PPDS food need to ensure that the food is labelled clearly and accurately with the allergen information.
This includes specifying which allergens are present in the food, as well as providing clear and concise allergen information on packaging and menus.
The new requirements will help to protect consumers with allergies, and ensure that they are able to make informed choices about the food they purchase. Businesses that fail to comply with the new requirements may face enforcement action, including fines.
You can use this introduction to determine what your business needs to do to comply with the modifications to allergen labelling demands, referred to as Natasha’s Law.
What is PPDS food?
Prepacked for direct sale or PPDS food is a type of food that is packaged in a way that makes it easy for customers to grab and go. Usually, the food is packaged at the point of sale and is in this packaging when the consumer purchases or orders it. PPDS food is typically ready-to-eat or requires minimal preparation.
Among these are foods chosen by the consumer (e.g., through a display unit), products behind a counter, and foods for sale at temporary or mobile outlets.
Examples of PPDS food
PPDS food includes the following items:
• Products such as sandwiches and bakery products prepared on site
• A burger packed under a hot lamp, unable to be changed without opening the package, an example of fast food packed before orders are taken
• Pizza, rotisserie chicken, salads, and pasta pots that are prepackaged on site and ready for sale
• Butcher-packaged hamburgers and sausages available to consumers
• On-site sampling of cookies given to consumers for free
• Market stalls and mobile markets where packaged food is sold elsewhere by the same operator
• A label will also be required on food served in schools, care homes, and hospitals
Non-PPDS food
Non-pre-packaged for direct sale or non-PPDS food is food that is not individually wrapped or packaged. This type of food is usually sold in bulk or in loose form, and customers are typically able to choose their own portion size. Non-PPDS food can include items such as produce, meat, and baked goods.
- A non-prepacked food is one that doesn’t need a label specifying ingredients, ingredients’ names, and allergens. It is still necessary to provide allergen information, but there are other options, including orally.
- Packing food for another business and providing it to them. It is already labelled as pre-packaged food, with the name of the food and its ingredients highlighted.
Distance selling
Businesses that sell food via the internet or over the phone that falls under the PPDS (Pre-packed for Direct Sale) category do not have to comply with the new food labeling requirements. However, these businesses will need to take measures to make sure that compulsory allergen facts are available to consumers before they buy the product, as well as at the moment of delivery.
It is important that you provide information about allergens:
- Prior to making a purchase, you will ideally receive this information in writing (on a website, catalog, or menu) or orally (by phone).
- Upon delivery – whether by writing or orally (allergen labels on food or menus enclosed)
It’s important to make allergen information available to customers in written form before they place an order. This way, they can be sure they’re ordering a dish that’s suitable for their needs. Takeaway meals should be clearly labelled so that customers with allergies can easily identify which dishes are safe for them to eat.
