Natasha’s Law: Are You Ready? 

On 1st October 2021, Natasha’s Law will implement new food information regulations for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This law is designed to increase allergy safety and requires catering staff to investigate and document ingredients on certain food items prepared in school. The requirement of Natasha’s Law is that food and ingredients pre-packaged onsite meet all the labelling requirements of the new legislation.

For most schools, this will involve supplier management of external catering suppliers. However, schools have an obligation to evidence that their supplier is following the law. 

What is Natasha’s Law?

Natasha died from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds, which were unlisted in the pre-packed baguette she was eating. The baguette’s packaging contained no specific allergen information and therefore Natasha thought it was safe for her to eat.

Under the new rules, food that is pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) must display the food’s name and a full list of ingredients, emphasising any allergenic ingredients, on the packaging.

How will Natasha’s Law apply to school catering?

It’s estimated that around one in five children has a food allergy.

PPDS food is classed as food that is packaged at the same place that it is offered or sold. If schools provide pupils with food that caterers pre-pack on-site, this will need to comply with all the necessary regulations. It applies to food that people can select for themselves, or that is offered from behind a counter, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and cakes. 

Action Plan Check List for Treating Anaphylaxis;

• Call an ambulance immediately!

• Who will treat the child whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive? Keeping staff First Aid Certificates up to date is a legal requirement for all schools. However, good practice is that all staff are aware of Basic First Aid and Epi Pen requirements and usage.

• Where are adrenaline pens kept? ie in a known, accessible location and not locked away.

• Who should administer the adrenaline and how they can be contacted swiftly in an emergency?

• Who else must be contacted in an emergency? Best Practice suggests that the member or members of staff who are on scene have an opportunity to reflect of procedures and debrief.