How a Label on Foods Prepared and Packaged Onsite Ensures Consumer Safety

When it comes to food safety, ensuring the proper labeling of products prepared and packaged onsite is crucial for both compliance and consumer protection. As food businesses worldwide are increasingly required to label pre-packed products, consumers benefit from clearer, more accessible information about the food they purchase, especially those with allergies or specific dietary restrictions. For businesses, like MAIKONG, that specialize in providing packaging solutions, understanding and facilitating these labeling requirements is vital.

What is Natasha’s Law and Why Does it Matter?

In the UK, Natasha’s Law, effective from October 2021, mandates that prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods must be clearly labeled with full ingredients and allergen information. This law was enacted following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered an allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a sandwich that was not labeled. The new regulations now apply to foods prepared and packaged onsite for immediate sale, ensuring that all allergens are clearly highlighted.

The law is part of broader food information regulations designed to protect consumers, especially those with food allergies, from inadvertent consumption of harmful ingredients. These rules apply across many sectors, including hospitality, catering, and food retail, impacting a wide range of businesses from cafes and delis to large food manufacturers.

Key Requirements of Natasha’s Law

Under the law, all PPDS food items must include the following:

1. Food Name: The food must be clearly named on the label, either by its legal or customary name (e.g., ‘jam’, ‘butter’).
2. Full Ingredients List: Every ingredient in the product must be listed, including any allergens present.
3. Allergen Declaration: Any of the 14 EU-regulated allergens must be highlighted, using bold text, italics, or a different color, to ensure they stand out. The allergens include common ingredients like milk, eggs, peanuts, and gluten.

This labeling must be legible, even on smaller packaging. If the surface area of the packaging is less than 80 cm², the font size for the allergen declaration should be large enough to be easily readable.

MAIKONG’s Role in Compliant Packaging

MAIKONG Co. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of customized packaging solutions, specializing in various sectors, including food and beverage, healthcare, and retail. Our packaging expertise extends to helping businesses meet all legal requirements, y compris Natasha’s Law.

We offer a range of packaging options, from customized food packaging boxes à allergen-compliant labels. By working closely with food businesses, we help ensure that your packaging complies with current regulations while maintaining an attractive and functional design.

What Are the Benefits of Proper Labeling for Businesses?

1. Consumer Trust: By ensuring that allergen information is easily visible, businesses can build trust with their customers, especially those with specific dietary needs.
2. Legal Compliance: Following Natasha’s Law and other labeling requirements helps businesses avoid penalties and legal action.
3. Product Appeal: Effective labeling not only informs but also enhances product appeal. A clean, professional label that complies with legal standards can differentiate your brand in the market.

What Types of Products Require Onsite Labeling?

The following are examples of foods and beverages that are subject to Natasha’s Law:

• Sandwiches and salads prepared onsite and packaged for later sale
• Bakery items that are packed and sealed for sale, even if they are sold at a later time
• Prepacked drinks (e.g., smoothies or bottled beverages)
• Takeaway meals where food is prepacked before the customer orders

How Can Businesses Ensure Compliance with Natasha’s Law?

Businesses can follow several steps to comply with Natasha’s Law:

• Check the status of your PPDS foods: Ensure that any product packed for direct sale is correctly labeled.
• Ensure accurate allergen information: Keep up-to-date records of your ingredients and allergens, ensuring they match what’s listed on the product labels.
• Use clear, readable fonts: The allergen information must be easy to read, and any bold text should be large enough to meet legal requirements.
• Update systems regularly: Maintain an accurate labeling system, so all changes to ingredients are reflected immediately.

Labeling Example Table for Packaging Boxes (MAIKONG)

Here’s an example of how you can visualize a packaging box for food items with required labeling features:

This table helps visualize the required elements of food packaging as mandated by law and how MAIKONG’s packaging solutions ensure both compliance and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does Natasha’s Law require from food businesses?
Natasha’s Law requires that all prepacked foods sold directly to consumers be labeled with clear allergen information and a full list of ingredients. Any allergens must be made clearly visible, often by bolding or changing the font color.

2. Does Natasha’s Law apply to all food businesses?
The law applies primarily to food businesses that sell food prepared and packed on-site for immediate sale, such as cafes, bakeries, and delis.

3. Can I customize the labels for my food packaging?
Oui, businesses can customize their packaging and labeling to reflect their branding, while still complying with all regulatory requirements. At MAIKONG, we provide OEM services to design packaging that aligns with your brand image.

4. How long does it take for MAIKONG to deliver packaging orders?
Typically, we ship within 3-7 days of receiving payment, using trusted courier services such as UPS, DHL, or FedEx. Delivery takes about 7-9 days.

5. Can MAIKONG assist with other types of packaging besides food?
Absolutely! MAIKONG offers a wide variety of packaging solutions, y compris cosmetic boxes, healthcare packaging, and industrial packaging, all customized to meet your needs.

With Natasha’s Law enhancing consumer safety, businesses must stay ahead of regulations. MAIKONG Co. Ltd. provides the packaging solutions and support you need to meet compliance requirements while offering exceptional quality and customization.