Natasha's Law: a practical PPDS labelling guide
What PPDS food is, what must be on the label, and the most common mistakes UK food businesses still make under Natasha's Law.
What counts as PPDS
Food packaged on the same premises it is offered for sale, before the customer asks for it. Sandwiches in a deli fridge, salads in a chilled cabinet, in-store bakery goods in pre-packed bags.
What must be on the label
Product name and full ingredients list with the 14 declarable allergens emphasised (typically bold). Quantitative ingredient declarations (QUID) where applicable.
Where businesses still fail
Missing sub-ingredients (e.g. mustard inside mayonnaise). Different labels in production vs front-of-house. No process to update labels when recipes change. Outsourced suppliers giving incomplete specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Does PPDS apply to a sandwich made to order?+
No — made to order at the customer's request is non-prepacked, with different (verbal/written) allergen information rules.
Author
TFCG Editorial Team
Food safety practitioners
- Chartered CIEH members
- BRCGS Approved Trainers
- Lead Auditors
Chartered food safety practitioners and former technical managers with hands-on UK manufacturing, catering and retail experience. Every article is technically reviewed before publication.
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