In a powerful call to action this week in the House of Lords, Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath, Parliamentary Ambassador for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, spoke up on behalf of the millions living with food allergies.
Referring to new research by Natasha’s Foundation, she revealed that 1 in 4 young adults (26%) have either experienced or know someone who’s had a serious allergic reaction to takeaway food. Whether food is ordered online, by phone, or in person, the risks are very real — and often ignored.

“Too many food allergic customers are still being put at risk when eating out or ordering food from an online platform.” – Baroness Jane Ramsey

Baroness Ramsey urged the Government to make the Food Standards Agency (FSA)’s updated allergen guidance mandatory, not just a “nice-to-have.” The FSA’s guidance, published in March 2025, encourages businesses to provide clear written and verbal allergen information for all open food.
But it’s still voluntary.The Government Response
Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, responded:

“We published the best practice guidance in March this year… we hope to carry out an evaluation in the spring of 2026… to better inform ministers on the need for any potential legislation.”

That means we’re waiting at least another year to even begin the process of assessing whether this guidance should become law.Natasha’s Foundation Leads the Way
Natasha’s Allergy Research Foundation has already proven its impact through the introduction of Natasha’s Law. Their continued advocacy — through Baroness Ramsey and initiatives like Owen’s Law — is keeping allergy safety at the top of the national conversation.
But progress needs partners. And until legislation catches up, it’s up to food businesses to do the right thing.How Allergen Checker Helps – Right Now
We created Allergen Checker to give every food provider — from local cafés to multi-site operations — a free and easy way to follow best practice today.
/ Free forever for 1 menu / 50 dishes
/ QR code to each dish’s full allergen & ingredient info
/ Downloadable labels and icons
/ Supports Natasha’s Law & open food allergen guidance
/ Real-time updates, no reprinting
Whether you’re running a pub, takeaway, school kitchen, or event stall — Allergen Checker helps you meet the FSA’s guidelines without delay, confusion or cost.What Happens If We Wait?
If businesses wait for legislation in 2026 or beyond, lives remain at risk — and businesses remain exposed.
By acting now, you show leadership, earn customer trust, and join a growing movement of food providers who take allergy safety seriously.
 Visit AllergenChecker.co.uk to get started for free and support the call for change.