Why is Natasha’s Law so important?

I’ll be the first to admit that I check everything when I go to the supermarket, I make it clear in restaurants that I am severally allergic and I tell most people where I keep my epi-pen. However….it hasn’t always been this easy for me. It has taken me a while to get to this point, the point where I don’t feel embarrassed to admit I have to carry my epi-pen everywhere, the point where I ring the restaurant first to check they do gluten free to save me from making a scene and the point where I have to list my allergies on the back of each running bib. Being allergic to wheat used to be such a massive inconvenience to me and I hated every moment of it but knowing places are improving and people are becoming more aware has helped me develop my confidence in this area.

Following the tragic death of young Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, new legislation will be introduced by Summer 2021. This new law will require businesses to list full ingredients on all products.

I know what you are thinking….why on earth wasn’t this the case before?

People tend to think allergic reactions are very rare and that cases like Natasha’s are unique. But no, no, no! Did you know that a staggering 2 million people living in the UK suffer from a food allergy? Chances are someone in your family or friendship group has an allergy whether or not they shout it from the rooftops.

As someone with an allergy, it has taken me a while to gain the confidence to eat out and even now I have to really trust the place! Knowing that the law is tightening up to protect the 2 million sufferers really comforts me! It’s all about confidence in food choice!

I for one, cannot wait for these new laws to be imposed and I urge everyone out there to be more attentive and careful when it comes to allergies!

Click to access fsa170306.pdf