The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a 15-year-old who tragically passed away from a severe allergic reaction, are calling for improved safeguards for people living with food allergies in the Channel Islands.
Natasha died in July 2016 after consuming a baguette that lacked allergen information on its packaging. Her parents, Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, established the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in her memory. They will speak at Jersey’s first food allergy conference in St Helier.
The foundation has partnered with the Jersey Food Allergy Group, pushing to extend Natasha’s Law—legislation mandating full ingredient and allergen labeling on pre-packed food—to the Channel Islands.
Advocating for Change
Introduced in the UK in October 2021, Natasha’s Law requires food retailers to clearly label all ingredients and allergens on items made on-site and pre-packed for direct sale. Tanya and Nadim argue that similar protections are overdue in Jersey and Guernsey.
“For too long, people with food allergies in the Channel Islands have lacked the same protections as their UK counterparts,” the couple said. “This is unacceptable. We will lead the campaign for legislative change in Jersey.”
A Safer Future
The foundation also plans to extend its efforts to Guernsey, aiming to enhance safety and quality of life for those with food allergies throughout the islands.
“By working together, we hope to create safer environments for everyone living with food allergies in the Channel Islands,” they added.