Food labelling loophole ‘must be closed’ after food allergy death
The professional body for environmental health workers has warned a loophole needs to be closed to prevent more deaths occurring as a result of poor food labelling.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called for an immediate review of food labelling procedure in the wake of the Pret a Manger tragedy, which resulted in the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-laperouse.
The 15-year-old suffered an allergic reaction after eating a baguette which she believed to be sesame-free.
The organisation said Pret A Manger “have done nothing illegal”, but warned that the loophole needs to be closed.
Tony Lewis, head of policy at CIEH, said: “Food safety is paramount. However, the main issue here is that Pret A Manger have done nothing illegal.
“The source of the problem is the current legislation that provides a number of loopholes and exceptions. Pret A Manger, and others, have simply taken advantage of the flaws in a system that is clearly not fit for purpose.”
He added: “We are calling for an immediate review of current legislation to close these loopholes and to ensure that food is properly labelled in this country.”
Pret has since said it will bring in full labelling on all of its products.