CGA Research conducted on behalf of Access Hospitality shows that 87% of consumers with serious food allergies or intolerances will feel more confident in trusting the content of pre-packaged food out of home once Natasha’s Law is in place.
The legislation comes into effect on 1st October and requires that all food prepared and packed on the premises where it is sold or offered must have ingredients labelling with allergens clearly emphasised. It is being introduced following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to a pre-packed baguette.
The survey showed that 39% of British consumers have some form of dietary requirement and over one in seven consumers (15%) with serious food allergies or intolerances feel that they can’t trust the food they eat out of home. Nearly two thirds of this group (61%) are likely to purchase “food to go” ‘more’ or ‘much more’ frequently than they did previously once Natasha’s Law is in place, so operating procedures should not only be compliant but communicated clearly to improve confidence and trust and attract this important customer base.
The research was shared in a webinar to help operators understand and implement the adjustments to operating practices that are required. Hosted by Henry Seddon, managing director of Access Hospitality, the webinar also includes clear advice on the details of Natasha’s Law from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), supply chain procedures from BidFood and the role of technology in implementing changes consistently and safely and is now available to watch on demand.
Henry Seddon commented “Although 39% of British consumers have dietary requirements, 88% of people will personally feel the benefits of Natasha’s Law, or know someone who will. It therefore makes good business sense for anyone involved in the production and sale of pre-packaged food to be absolutely clear on their responsibilities and share that certainty with customers.
“Consumers with a serious food allergy or intolerance will spend, on average, £94 a month drinking or eating out, compared to an average monthly spend of £76 by non-allergic or intolerant consumer, highlighting how valuable their custom is to the market. The advice provided by the FSA in the Access Hospitality webinar clarifies exactly what is included in Natasha’s Law, with some practical examples, and we explore how technology can make compliance and communication a seamless process along the supply chain.”
The Access Hospitality webinar – Getting ready for Natasha’s Law – forms part of a wider support hub offering free resources, including a factsheet and guide to preparing for the law, that is available for all out of home operators at https://theaccessgroup.com/allergens.
