Allergen Compliance
PPDS Labelling & Natasha's Law: What UK Food Businesses Must Do
Natasha's Law, formally the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019, requires food businesses to provide full ingredient lists with allergens emphasised on all prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods.
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See allergen matrix pricingWhat counts as PPDS food
- Sandwiches, wraps and salads made and packed on the premises before a customer orders them
- Baked goods wrapped on-site and displayed for self-selection
- Any food packed in the same unit it is sold from, before the customer selects or orders it
Food made to order, or served to eat in, is not PPDS. You must still be able to give allergen information verbally or in writing when asked.
What must be on a PPDS label
The name of the food and a full ingredients list, with the 14 regulated allergens emphasised within that list, for example in bold or a different colour.
The compliance risk
The 14 major allergens must be declared under UK food law. Non-compliance risks unlimited fines and prosecution.
Getting compliant
An allergen matrix maps every dish on your menu to the 14 regulated allergens, giving you confidence that your labelling is complete and accurate. Our support includes menu analysis, matrix creation, label templates and ongoing updates as your menu changes. See our allergen matrix pricing.
PPDS Labelling FAQs
What is Natasha's Law?+
Natasha's Law, formally the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019, requires food businesses to provide full ingredient lists with allergens emphasised on all prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods. The regulations came into force on 1 October 2021.
What foods count as PPDS?+
Food that is packed on the same premises it is sold from, before a customer selects or orders it, such as a sandwich made that morning and put on a shelf. Food made to order or served to eat in is not PPDS.
Do I need PPDS labels for food made in my kitchen but eaten in?+
No. PPDS applies to food prepacked before the customer orders it. Food served to eat in or made to order is covered by different rules: you must be able to provide allergen information verbally or in writing when asked.
What must be on a PPDS label?+
The name of the food and a full ingredients list, with the 14 regulated allergens emphasised within that list, for example in bold or a different colour.
What happens if my PPDS labelling is wrong?+
The 14 major allergens must be declared under UK food law. Non-compliance risks unlimited fines and prosecution, on top of the safety risk to a customer with an allergy.
How much does PPDS labelling and allergen matrix support cost?+
£200 for small cafes and takeaways, £350 for larger venues. If your menu changes later, new dishes can be added to your matrix for £50 per 3 dishes, or £25 per dish.
Compliance made simple
Get your allergen matrix
A complete PPDS-compliant allergen matrix, with full ingredient mapping, label templates and ongoing menu updates.
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