Natasha’s Law explained for cafes and takeaways
By the Daybook teamPublished 20 October 2026Last checked 20 October 2026
Covers: All four UK nations, with differences noted
The short answer
Since 1 October 2021, food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) must carry a label with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with the 14 allergens emphasised. It applies to food packed on the premises before a customer orders it, such as a sandwich in the grab-and-go fridge.
Why it’s called Natasha’s Law
The law is named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died in 2016 after an allergic reaction to sesame in a baguette that didn’t list it, because the rules at the time didn’t require a full ingredients label on food made and packed on the premises.
What counts as PPDS
Food is PPDS if it’s packed at the same place it’s sold, before the customer orders or picks it. That includes food customers pick from a display, and food kept behind the counter that’s already packed.
| Usually PPDS | Usually not PPDS |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches made and packed in the morning for the fridge | A sandwich made to order |
| Boxed salads and pots of fruit made on site | Food served loose or unwrapped |
| Bagged cakes or cookies baked and packed on site | Food packed by another business (that’s ordinary prepacked food) |
The Food Standards Agency has a decision tool to check specific products.
What the label must show
- The name of the food
- A full ingredients list
- The 14 allergens emphasised in that list, for example in bold
Getting it right
- Check every ingredient’s label, including sauces and spreads
- Update labels when a recipe or supplier changes
- Keep a master list of recipes and their allergens
- Train staff to check the label before they pack
Free template
Allergen matrix (PDF)
Sources
- Food Standards Agency: PPDS allergen labelling
- Food Standards Agency: allergen information and labelling
Rules can change and differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check with your local authority food safety team if you’re unsure. Daybook helps you keep records. It does not give legal advice or certify training.
Keep this record on your phone
Opening and closing checklists, signed and dated.
Daybook is the food safety diary for UK kitchens. Staff sign each check on their own iPhone; the office reads the week and makes an inspection record for any dates.