Natasha’s law: what is anaphylaxis?

A new law aimed at protecting allergy sufferers will require all food businesses in England to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged food.

The legislation has been dubbed “Natasha’s Law”, in tribute to 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who had a fatal allergic reaction after unknowingly eating sesame in an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette bought from a Pret a Manger outlet at Heathrow Airport.

The teenager died of anaphylaxis, one of the most extreme forms of allergic reaction, after collapsing on board a flight to the French city of Nice on 17 July 2016, reports the BBC.

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The new rules, unveiled this week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will apply only to England and Northern Ireland. The legislation is due to come into force in the summer of 2021, giving food businesses two years to prepare.

The introduction of the measures follows a campaign by Natasha’s parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse. The couple say that “helping save other allergy sufferers and their families from the enduring agony that we will always bear is a fitting legacy for her life”.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove says the new rules “will make food labels clear and consistent, and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices”.

An estimated 20 deaths from anaphylaxis are reported each year in Britain, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. And an annual total of around 4,500 admissions to UK hospitals are related to food allergies.

Anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and cause death within minutes. Here is how it affects sufferers:

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to a trigger such as an allergy, says the NHS website. It also known as anaphylactic shock.

According to the Anaphylaxis Campaign, common food allergens that can cause such a reaction include nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews and Brazil nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.

The charity adds that common non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin and many other drugs.

The condition “usually develops suddenly and gets worse very quickly”, says the NHS - so spotting the warning signs quickly may be vital.

Early symptoms of the condition include flushing of the skin, hives, swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and alterations in heart rate.

More severe symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure and unconsciousness.

According to MedScape, almost all anaphylaxis deaths are caused by asphyxia - where the airway becomes so swollen that it blocks the passage of air - although these fatalities occur “almost exclusively in those with preexisting asthma”.

How is it treated?

If someone has symptoms of anaphylaxis, “use an adrenaline auto-injector if the person has one – but make sure you know how to use it correctly first”, says the NHS.

“Call 999 for an ambulance immediately (even if they start to feel better),” the health service advises.

In addition, remove any trigger if possible and lie the patient down flat unless they’re unconscious, pregnant or having breathing difficulties.

Medical professionals also suggest that anyone who is having or has had an attack should visit a hospital for observation – usually for between six and 12 hours – as the symptoms can occasionally return.

In hospital, an oxygen mask may be used to help the patient breath, and fluids may be administered directly into a vein to help increase blood pressure. Additional medications such as antihistamines and steroids may also be used to help relieve symptoms.

After being discharged from hospital, the patient may be advised to take these drugs for a few more days in order to prevent symptoms from returning.