Corporate catering in London has become significantly more complex over the past decade. Dietary requirements that were once rare exceptions — halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut allergy — are now present in virtually every team, and the legal obligations around allergen disclosure have been substantially strengthened by Natasha's Law (the Allergen Labelling legislation that came into force in 2021). For HR and operations leaders commissioning workplace catering, navigating allergen compliance, dietary inclusion, and quality expectations while managing costs and logistics requires a more informed approach than simply ordering sandwiches from the nearest deli.
Natasha's Law: What Your Caterer Must Provide
Natasha's Law (the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2021) requires that all food prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) — food packaged at the place of sale — carries full ingredient labelling including all 14 allergens. For corporate caterers providing individually packaged lunches to offices, this requirement applies directly: every item must carry a label listing all ingredients and clearly identifying the presence of any of the 14 mandatory allergens (celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, peanuts, sesame, soya, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, tree nuts). The Food Standards Agency Natasha's Law guidance provides the definitive compliance reference. Choosing a caterer who demonstrably meets these requirements reduces your organisation's legal and reputational risk significantly.
Halal Catering: Meeting the Needs of Muslim Employees
Halal dietary requirements are among the most commonly cited in London workplaces, reflecting the significant Muslim population of the capital. Genuinely halal-certified catering — not simply "halal-friendly" but independently certified by a recognised body — is an important distinction for employees whose religious observance requires it. Vanda's Kitchen holds independent halal certification from Halal Friendly List, providing genuine confidence for Muslim employees. Our entire kitchen is halal-certified — not just individual products — ensuring there is no cross-contamination risk.
Nut-Free Catering: Managing Anaphylaxis Risk
Nut allergies affect approximately 2% of UK adults, and the consequences of accidental exposure range from unpleasant reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For organisations with employees who have nut allergies, the catering environment is a significant workplace health and safety consideration. A caterer with a fully nut-free kitchen — where nuts are never used as ingredients and there is no risk of cross-contamination — provides a categorically different level of safety assurance than one that simply "takes care" around nut use. Vanda's Kitchen operates a 100% nut-free kitchen, removing this risk entirely. This is not just a dietary accommodation — it is a workplace safety provision.
Building an Inclusive Catering Programme
An inclusive catering programme serves every employee at the same event with the same quality food — not a "main" option and separate "special diet" options that highlight difference and reduce the sense of inclusion. The ideal catering solution: a menu diverse enough that every dietary requirement (halal, vegetarian, gluten-aware, dairy-free) is met within the standard offering, not as an afterthought. Vanda's Kitchen's Filipino-inspired menu of fresh proteins, vegetables, and rice dishes is naturally inclusive — diverse, flavourful, and adaptable to the full range of London workplace dietary needs. Contact us to discuss your team's requirements.
Inclusive, Nutritious Catering for London Teams
Vanda's Kitchen near St Paul's EC4 delivers certified halal, 100% nut-free, freshly prepared team lunches to City of London offices. Our individually packaged, fully allergen-labelled food ensures every team member eats well and feels included — the practical foundation of a food-positive workplace culture. View our team lunch options, WhatsApp us, or send an enquiry. Read our complete corporate catering guide.
For related reading, see our complete corporate catering London guide and our food culture and talent retention guide.
Quality Food for London Offices
Vanda's Kitchen near St Paul's EC4 delivers certified halal, 100% nut-free, freshly prepared food to City offices. Selfridges Food Hall quality, full allergen labelling, individual packaging — the simple foundation of inclusive, nutritious workplace food. View our team lunch options or WhatsApp us.