UK Allergen Law 2026: What Every Food Business Must Know
Since Natasha's Law came into force in October 2021, full ingredient labelling on pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food is mandatory across the UK. In 2026, enforcement is tighter and penalties are real. Here is the complete compliance guide.
Key numbers for 2026: 2 million people in the UK have a food allergy. 10 people die from allergic reactions to food each year. The Food Standards Agency issued 1,400+ enforcement actions in 2025. Maximum fine for non-compliance: unlimited (Crown Court). There is no grey area.
What is Natasha's Law?
Natasha's Law — formally the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019, fully in force since 1 October 2021 — requires all food businesses to label pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food with a full ingredients list, with the 14 major allergens clearly emphasised (bold, italic or contrasting colour).
PPDS food is food packed on the same premises from which it is sold, before a customer selects or orders it. This covers sandwiches made in the morning and placed in a counter display, pastries pre-wrapped at a bakery, and meal kits assembled in a café kitchen.
The 14 major allergens you must declare
| # | Allergen | Common sources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celery | Soups, sauces, salads, celery salt |
| 2 | Cereals containing gluten | Wheat, rye, barley, oats — bread, pasta, cereals |
| 3 | Crustaceans | Prawns, crabs, lobster, crayfish |
| 4 | Eggs | Mayonnaise, pasta, cakes, quiche |
| 5 | Fish | Worcestershire sauce, pizza, relishes |
| 6 | Lupin | Lupin flour and seeds in baked goods |
| 7 | Milk | Butter, cheese, cream, milk powders |
| 8 | Molluscs | Mussels, oysters, squid, clams |
| 9 | Mustard | Salad dressings, marinades, soups, curries |
| 10 | Nuts (tree nuts) | Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios |
| 11 | Peanuts | Peanut butter, satay, groundnut oil |
| 12 | Sesame | Houmous, bread, breadsticks, sesame oil |
| 13 | Soya | Tofu, beancurd, edamame, soya sauce |
| 14 | Sulphur dioxide / sulphites | Wine, beer, dried fruits, preserved meats |