Food labelling changes in October

‘Natasha’s law’ is coming into force on 1 October 2021 – although recent press reports suggest many businesses are still unprepared. 

The requirements for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food labelling will change in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.

The Food Standards Agency says that the new labelling will help protect consumers by providing potentially life-saving allergen information on the packaging. Below a resume of what you need to do to comply. 

  • Any business that produces PPDS food will be required to label it with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within the list. 
  • Businesses need to check if their products require PPDS labelling and what they need to do to comply with the new rules.

Prepacked for direct sale or PPDS is food which is packaged at the same place it is offered or sold to consumers and is in this packaging before it is ordered or selected.

It can include food that consumers select themselves (e.g. from a display unit), as well as products kept behind a counter and some food sold at mobile or temporary outlets.

Food that isn’t PPDS

  • Any food that is not in packaging or is packaged after being ordered by the consumer. These are types of non-prepacked food and do not require a label with name, ingredients and allergens emphasised. Allergen information must still be provided but this can be done through other means, including orally.
  • Food packed by one business and supplied to another business. This is prepacked food and already must have full labelling, including the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within it.

You can find out more and watch a video on the Food Standards Agency website – there is specific guidance for restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Read more about allergens in Parks Business (Autumn 2019).