Allergen management in corporate settings is both a legal requirement and a duty of care obligation. The Food Information Regulations 2014, Natasha's Law 2021, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 together create a clear legal framework that London employers must navigate when providing food to employees and guests. This guide covers the practical obligations and how to meet them.
The Legal Framework
Natasha's Law (Food Information Amendment 2021) requires full ingredient and allergen labelling on all food pre-packaged for direct sale. For corporate catering, this means any individually packaged meal, sandwich, snack, or refreshment item must carry a label listing all ingredients and highlighting the 14 mandatory allergens. Caterers who cannot demonstrate Natasha's Law compliance should not be procured for corporate catering where individual portions are provided.
The Health and Safety at Work Act creates a duty of care for employers to protect employees from foreseeable harm — including harm from allergenic food provided in the workplace. An employer who provides catering without adequate allergen management, where an employee has a known allergy, may face liability if an allergic reaction occurs. Due diligence in caterer selection and allergen information collection is therefore a legal risk management requirement as well as a welfare obligation.
Collecting Allergen Information From Employees
Allergen information collection should be part of the onboarding process and reviewed at least annually. Ask specifically about each of the 14 mandatory UK allergens — a general question about dietary requirements produces vague responses; a structured question covering each allergen produces usable data. Store this information securely under GDPR as health-related personal data and share summary numbers (not individual names) with caterers when ordering.
Choosing a Caterer With Adequate Allergen Standards
Request the following documentation from any caterer before contracting for corporate catering: a Natasha's Law compliance statement confirming full ingredient labelling; an allergen management protocol describing kitchen cross-contamination prevention; food hygiene certificate; and (where relevant) halal certification. A caterer unable to provide these documents within a few working days is not operating to a documented standard. Read our corporate caterer selection checklist.
On the Day: Allergen Management at Corporate Events
For corporate events where guests may have unknown dietary requirements, individual portion formats with clear allergen labelling on every item provide the most reliable protection. Each guest can verify their own allergen information from the label without relying on staff knowledge. For events with known severe allergy guests, confirm their specific item directly rather than relying on general labelling. Have a caterer emergency contact available throughout the event.
Incident Response
If an allergic reaction occurs at a corporate catering event, the immediate priority is the affected person's safety — call 999 for any severe reaction. Document the incident, preserve the food item if possible, and contact your caterer to report the incident. Review your allergen management process following any incident. For severe reactions, notify your insurer and seek legal advice.
Safe Food at Vanda's Kitchen EC4
Vanda's Kitchen near St Paul's Cathedral provides one of the safest food environments in the City of London for people managing food allergies and intolerances. Our kitchen is 100% nut-free — no peanuts or tree nuts ever enter our facility. We are certified halal by the Halal Friendly List. We hold a 5-star food hygiene rating. Every item we produce carries full ingredient and allergen labelling covering all 14 mandatory UK allergens, in compliance with Natasha's Law. Our Selfridges Food Hall presence confirms the quality standard we maintain alongside our safety credentials.
For corporate catering where allergen management is a genuine requirement — not a convenience — Vanda's Kitchen provides the kitchen standards and documentation that responsible procurement demands. Read our allergy-friendly catering guide and our nut-free catering guide for more. WhatsApp us, send an enquiry, or view our team lunch options.
Safe Food From Vanda Kitchen EC4
Vanda Kitchen near St Paul Cathedral EC4 is 100 percent nut-free, certified halal (Halal Friendly List), 5-star hygiene rated, with full Natasha Law allergen labelling on every item. Selfridges Food Hall quality. One caterer, all allergen requirements covered, full documentation available on request. For London offices where allergen management is a genuine requirement, we provide the kitchen standards and credentials that responsible procurement demands. WhatsApp us, send an enquiry, or view our team lunch options. Read our allergy-friendly catering guide and our nut-free catering guide for more detail on our approach.
Why Vanda Kitchen Is the Right Choice
For City of London professionals and offices managing food allergies, Vanda Kitchen provides the most comprehensive single-source allergen-safe solution available. Our 100 percent nut-free kitchen, independently certified halal status, 5-star food hygiene rating, and Selfridges Food Hall quality represent a credentials profile that is genuinely rare in London corporate catering. Fresh Filipino-inspired food prepared daily. Individual Freedom Tray portions with full allergen labelling. Flexible standing orders with direct WhatsApp management. Same-day response to all enquiries. WhatsApp us to discuss your requirements or send an enquiry.