Gen-Label readies for Natasha’s Law implementation

According to the company, it is estimated that almost 20 percent of people in the UK suffer from an allergy. However, while consumers may be allergic or intolerant to any number of ingredients, only 14 allergens are currently required to be declared.

Natasha’s Law is so-called due to successful campaigning by the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died, aged 15, in July 2016, after suffering a fatal allergic reaction from eating a baguette purchased in Heathrow Airport. Natasha had a sesame allergy and wasn’t aware that sesame seeds had been pre-baked into the product’s bread.

The Gen-Label Online software allows caterers to build and maintain lists of ingredients, including specific allergens, and then simply print them off onto pre-formatted blank labels using a standard PC and laser-jet printer. It manages all labeling requirements from product descriptions, ingredients, and bar codes to allergen and nutritional information, including the government’s front-of-pack traffic light system.

‘There has never been a more critical time for labeling in the foodservice industry,’ added Bryson. ‘Through the pandemic as businesses swapped to takeaway and delivery models, we were able to help with advice based on over 30 years of foodservice labeling experience. As the industry gears up for the full implementation of Natasha’s Law in October, labeling is crucial – and since the announcement of the new legislation, we have been urging the industry to act immediately.

‘While correct allergen identification and labeling is an important health issue, it is also one of corporate responsibility. Lives are literally at stake, so why leave risks in place? As an industry, we can act right away and improve our reputation if we take action today rather than waiting until October. Gen-Label can help businesses fully comply with Natasha’s Law through its easy-to-use Gen-Label Online software solution.’

Natasha’s family set up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to prevent and end allergic disease and bring about positive change by focusing on law and policies, medical research, and educating and raising allergy awareness. Through its parent company Tri-Star Packaging, Gen-Label has chosen to support the foundation by donating a percentage of all sales of allergen labels.