New requirements for the labelling of allergens on prepacked direct sale foods

The Food Information Regulations 2014 require all food businesses, including school caterers, to show the allergen ingredients’ information for the food they serve. This makes it easier for schools to identify the food that pupils with allergies can and cannot eat.

These regulations were further enhanced in 2019 and come into effect on 1 October 2021.

This change is commonly known as ‘Natasha’s Law’.

The regulations include new requirements for the labelling of allergens on prepacked direct sale (PPDS) foods which must be labelled with the name of the food, a full ingredients list, and allergenic ingredients must be emphasised within this list.

PPDS foods

PPDS foods are those which are packaged on the premises before the pupil orders them and cannot be tampered with before purchase by the pupil. Examples in a school might be:

• Sealed pots of breakfast oats, fresh fruits or yoghurts.
• Packaged sandwiches or salads in sealed boxes.
• Boxes of chips or chicken nuggets placed under a hot lamp.
• Packaged burgers.

Allergen labelling

A useful document on the labelling of allergens on PPDS from the Food Standards Agency and specifically aimed at schools is available and is called Prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) allergen labelling changes for schools, colleges and nurseries (July 2021).

CEFMi policies

The updated nutrition section of the CEFMi website contains a model nutrition policy and packed lunches policy. The section is available for subscribers to our CEFMi website.

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