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Lives being put at risk with incorrect food allergen labels

Lives being put at risk with incorrect food allergen labels

Up to half of businesses inspected in North East Lincolnshire were not compliant with new allergen labelling laws.

From October 1, new rules were introduced for businesses selling prepacked food known as ‘Natasha’s Law’ named after a teenager who died after eating a Pret a Manger sandwich in 2016.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse sadly died in 2016 at just 15 years old, after eating an artichoke, olive, and tapenade baguette from a Pret a Manger at Heathrow airport.

She was unaware that it contained sesame seeds, and she suffered a severe allergic reaction shortly after.

Items such as sandwiches and salads must have food allergen labelling which declares the name of the food and a full list of ingredients, with a list of 14 allergen products emphasised in bold.

Those 14 allergens which must be declared are: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, soya and sulphur dioxide.

Officers from North East Lincolnshire Council’s Commercial Regulatory team have been conducting pro-active advice visits, alongside their normal inspection regime, since late summer 2021 to help businesses prepare for the new law’s introduction.

Upon initial inspection, up to half of the businesses seen were not following the law, but have been put up to code with the help of the officers.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “Tragically, around 10 people a year die from food induced anaphylaxis.

“Food businesses have a legal duty to provide information about the presence of 14 allergens required to be declared by law which are in the food or drink they sell.

“It is very important for businesses to get up to speed with this new legislation to ensure that they comply with it and their customers are as safe from a potential anaphylaxis reaction as possible.”

He praised the work of the food safety officers who have been helping businesses understand and implement the new law, saying:

“Our officers are working hard to make sure businesses are aware of this new law and are there to help in the first instance, so if anyone is unsure whether the law applies to them or what they need to do if it does, then they should get in touch.

“We are currently in an engage, explain and educate phase, but eventually, officers will take enforcement action on those businesses that put lives at risk.”