Food allergies are a growing public health concern in the UK, and in response, regulatory changes for clearer allergen labelling are set to expand in 2025. The updates aim to protect consumers and place more responsibility on food businesses to provide accurate, visible, and standardised information.What’s Changing in 2025?The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are working on legislation that will require:Enhanced visibility of allergen information on prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods
Standardised language and formatting to prevent confusion
Stricter enforcement of undeclared allergen penalties
This follows the 2021 introduction of Natasha’s Law, which mandated full ingredient and allergen labelling for PPDS foods after the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an undeclared allergen.Who Needs to Act?The new updates will affect: Cafés and takeaways preparing food on site for same-day sale
Independent bakeries and sandwich shops
Supermarkets and deli counters
Even businesses already compliant with Natasha’s Law will need to update labelling formats and staff training procedures to meet the new standards.Key Steps to PrepareReview Current LabelsMake sure allergen ingredients are clearly listed and not buried in dense text.Train Your Team on allergen risks and the importance of strict label accuracy.Check Supplier Ingredients
Request updated allergen declarations from suppliers to ensure your labels are accurate.Use Clear Formatting
Highlight allergens in bold or use dedicated allergen boxes on packaging.Audit Regularly
Perform routine label checks and update any items where recipes or ingredients have changed.Final ThoughtsAccurate allergen labelling is not just a legal requirement — it’s a moral responsibility. With stricter rules coming in 2025, now is the time to update your processes and ensure your food is safe for all customers.If your business needs support in updating allergen compliance procedures, contact Food Safety Consulting for expert advice and staff training.References:UK Allergen Labelling Requirements OverviewAllergy UK – Allergen Labelling Changes (Natasha’s Law)