Eight in 10 business owners say they feel unprepared for new food safety regulations to come into effect under Natasha’s Law, according to new research.
The legislation, which will be introduced on October 1, comes five years after the death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction from a Pret A Manger sandwich.
The legislation will require food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen information on foods pre-packaged for sale in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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But, with one month until the introduction research commissioned by global standards organisation GS1 UK, found that 40 per cent of businesses had not heard of Natasha’s Law.
According to the study, around half of food franchise employees (48 per cent) in small independent businesses had heard of Natasha’s Law.
The analysis showed that eight in 10 felt unprepared for the new regulations coming into effect, despite 90 per cent saying they have received plenty of information about the new law.
“Natasha’s Law represents a hugely positive, yet complex transformation for the food sector, one fraught with risk,” National Food Strategy author Henry Dimbleby MBE said.
“It is worrying that the awareness of the changes is inconsistent, but not particularly surprising after everything the sector has had thrown at it over the last 18 months.
“It’s therefore fantastic to see a data solution that will help companies, particularly smaller companies, make the required changes while reducing both bureaucracy and the opportunities for error.”
with PA Wires
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