Natasha's Law: UK Food Allergen Rules for Online Sellers
Natasha's Law (UK Food Information Amendment), in effect since October 2021, requires full allergen labeling on food products sold in the UK. For online food sellers, allergen information must be available before purchase — not just on the packaging. Non-compliance with UK product safety law can result in fines of up to £10,000, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and mandatory product recalls by local Trading Standards authorities.
UK Responsible Person requirement
Since Brexit, products sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) must name a UK-based Responsible Person — distinct from any EU Responsible Person. An EU RP does not satisfy UK requirements.
The UK RP must be a person or entity established in the UK, with a UK postal address, who takes on compliance duties for the product. Their name and address must be visible on the product or packaging, and should appear in the online listing. For cosmetics, the UK Cosmetics Regulation specifically requires a UK-based Responsible Person separate from any EU one.
Food allergen disclosure (Natasha's Law)
The UK Food Information Amendment (known as Natasha's Law), in effect since October 2021, requires all prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food to carry a full ingredients list with the 14 major allergens emphasised. For online food sales, the Food Information Regulations 2014 require allergen information to be available before purchase.
Provide a complete ingredients list with allergens clearly highlighted (bold or capitalised) in the product listing. Include "may contain" cross-contamination warnings where applicable. The 14 declarable allergens include celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts, peanuts, sesame, soya, and sulphur dioxide.
The 14 declarable allergens
UK food law requires these 14 allergens to be declared and emphasised (bold or capitalised) whenever present: celery, cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats), crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soya, and sulphur dioxide/sulphites (at levels above 10mg/kg or 10mg/litre).
Include "may contain" cross-contamination warnings where there is a genuine risk, but do not use precautionary labeling as a substitute for proper allergen management. Online listings must present this information clearly before the buyer completes the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UK Responsible Person if I already have an EU one?
Yes. Post-Brexit, the UK and EU are separate regulatory jurisdictions. A UK Responsible Person must be established in the UK with a UK postal address. Your EU RP does not satisfy this requirement.
Is CE marking still accepted in the UK?
The UK government has extended CE mark acceptance for some product categories, but UKCA is the long-term requirement for Great Britain. Northern Ireland follows EU rules under the Windsor Framework. Proactively adopting UKCA avoids future compliance gaps.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with UK product safety law?
Local Trading Standards authorities can issue compliance notices, seize products, impose fines of up to £10,000 per offence, and pursue criminal prosecution including imprisonment for serious breaches.
Does Natasha's Law apply to online food sales?
Yes. The Food Information Regulations 2014 require allergen information to be available to the buyer before purchase for all distance sales, including online orders. The listing must clearly show ingredients with allergens emphasised.
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