Food allergy laws: Natasha's Law and Benedict's Law

According to a major study by the Foods Standards Agency, approximately 6% of the UK adult population live with a clinically confirmed food allergy.

Among children the prevalence is estimated to be between 5% and 8%.

For those affected, accidental exposure can be extremely serious. Eating a food which they are allergic to may trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.

In recent years two tragic cases have highlighted the need for stronger protections and prompted significant legal changes.

Natasha's Law

In 2016, 15-year-old Natasha, died after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a pre-packed baguette, purchased from a Pret a Manger store at Heathrow Airport. 

Natasha had various allergies, including sesame seeds which were baked into the dough of the baguette. There was no specific allergen information on the packaging, meaning that Natasha was unaware that the baguette contained sesame seeds.

Following a campaign by her parents and the inquest into Natasha's death in 2016, the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 came into effect on 1 October 2021. Now widely known as Natasha's Law, these Regulations require clearer labelling for pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food items.

PPDS items are prepared, packaged, and sealed at the same site where they are sold, before a customer chooses or orders the item. 

Under Natasha's Law, all such foods must carry labelling showing full ingredient lists, with any of the 14 major food allergens clearly highlighted. 

The 14 major food allergens are:

• Celery
• Cereals containing gluten (like wheat, rye, barley and oats)
• Crustaceans (such as prawns and crabs)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupin (a plant used to make flour for bread and pasta)
• Milk
• Molluscs (like mussels and oysters)
• Mustard
• Tree nuts (including almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts)
• Peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Soybeans
• Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (used as a preservative in some dried fruits and other products).

Benedict's Law

In 2021, 5-year-old Benedict, died from a severe allergic reaction following accidental exposure to cow's milk at school.

Following a campaign by his parents and the conclusion of the inquest into Benedict's death in 2025, Benedict's Law was introduced in Parliament in July 2025. 

In March 2026, the Government announced that Benedict's Law will become law in England. New statutory guidance is being consulted on and is due to be published in summer 2026 before implementation in September 2026. 

From September 2026 schools will have to:

• Have a comprehensive allergy policy.
• Have individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies.
• Have a supply of in-date adrenaline auto-injectors (commonly referred to as allergy pens), used to treat people who suffer severe allergic reactions.
• Ensure all staff are trained on allergy awareness and what to do in an emergency. 
  
  

Supporting people with allergies

Whilst Natasha's Law and Benedict's Law are important steps in improving safety, serious allergic reactions can still happen when mistakes are made. 

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If you or a loved one has suffered because you were given food containing an allergen, our specialist Personal Injury Lawyer, Dan Thompson, is here to help you secure the support and compensation you deserve.