Natasha's Foundation

21/06/2026

The UK has led some of the world's most important food allergy research.

Through the LEAP and EAT studies, British scientists have shown that introducing foods such as peanut and egg earlier during weaning, when babies are developmentally ready, may help reduce the risk of some food allergies developing.

This evidence is helping to shape weaning advice around the world and is already benefiting families in other countries. Yet current NHS advice does not reflect this.

The report in The Sunday Times that the Government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition is going to review its weaning guidance this year, could not come sooner.

“We hope this review will mean that world-leading science on food allergy prevention, carried out in the UK, will be translated into official advice for people living in this country."
- Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founders of Natasha's Foundation.

Natasha’s Foundation, together with leading scientists, clinicians and other charities have united to call for an urgent review of UK weaning guidance.

Natasha’s Foundation is funding The Natasha Clinical Trial in the hope of introducing OIT (Oral immunotherapy) into the NHS. We have also recently launched Natasha’s Prize, a groundbreaking £10 million global research challenge, asking how we can stop food allergy from developing in the first place.

If there is an opportunity to prevent food allergies we owe it to future generations to act on that evidence.

To learn more visit natashasprize.org.uk
Read The Times article: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/give-babies-peanut-at-four-months-to-cut-allergies-say-campaigners-l6v2whw5d

19/06/2026

For millions of people living with food allergies, air travel is often fraught with anxiety. In fact, many people with food allergies avoid flying altogether because they feel the risk from airlines is too great.

Airline allergy policies often don't translate in real-time, with people's experiences differing widely. Airline staff training, allergen safe meals and safety procedures are often inconsistent.

We believe food allergy should be recognised not just as a food issue, but as an accessibility, equality and medical issue.

During the recent House of Lords debate on the Civil Aviation Bill, the Department for Transport has agreed to meet with Natasha's Foundation to discuss food allergy safety and air travel.

We are calling on airlines to publish a clear statement of support and adopt a Charter for Food-Allergic Flyers, built around five key principles:

✈️ Leadership
Airlines must show clear leadership and commit to improving the safety and experience of food-allergic passengers.

✈️ Training
Staff should be properly trained to understand food allergy risks and respond confidently to allergic emergencies.

✈️ Communication and policies
Passengers deserve clear, consistent information about allergy policies, available support and reasonable adjustments before they travel.

✈️ Food and allergen information
Clear ingredient and allergen information about onboard food and drinks is essential for passenger safety.

✈️ The proper application of Natasha's Law
UK-registered airlines should apply to UK food laws, including Natasha's Law for pre-packed meals served on planes, regardless of where the flight departs from.

If you have flown with a food allergy, what would you like us to tell him about your experiences, both good and bad?

Please share in the comments.

To download our Flying with Food Allergies report, visit https://www.narf.org.uk/flying-with-food-allergies

17/06/2026

A recent ITV News investigation has highlighted a worrying issue affecting people living with food allergies, the confiscation of life-saving allergy medication at bars, clubs and event venues.

The report featured Lauryn Forrester, whose adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) were confiscated on two separate occasions at a London nightclub. Security staff reportedly believed the devices could be used to conceal drugs. She told the staff, "There can't be any delay. If I need it, I need it immediately."

Our Youth Ambassador, Kitty Clark, who lives with allergies to dairy, kiwi and eggs, also shared with ITV News that she has experienced the same issue.

"Having an allergic reaction is terrifying. I've always been taught to have my medication with me at all times. I already feel out of control because I can't predict when a reaction might happen, so having my medication taken away is really scary."

For people at risk of anaphylaxis, carrying emergency medication is not a recommendation they can choose to ignore. It is a vital part of everyday life.

People living with food allergies are advised to carry their AAIs at all times because reactions can happen unexpectedly. Exposure can occur through hidden ingredients, cross-contamination, allergens in drinks, or even contact with someone who has consumed an allergen.

Following the broadcast, we have received messages from the public and this one captures Kitty's concerns and why these conversations matter.

“Kitty really articulated all of the concerns that allergy sufferers / parents of allergy sufferers go through, that so many people seem oblivious to, in a clear and emotional way.

“Thanks for all your hard work at the Foundation.”

For many people with allergies, the greatest challenge is not only managing the risk itself, but navigating a world that often doesn't understand it.

A person having a severe allergic reaction may have only minutes to act. If their medication has been stored elsewhere in a crowded venue, valuable time can be lost.

We're pleased that, following the ITV News investigation, the venue involved has reviewed its policy and introduced changes. However, we need all venues, security providers, hospitality businesses and event organisers to recognise that adrenaline auto-injectors are life-saving medications, not optional items.

No one should ever be put at risk in order to participate in everyday life.

Please share this post to help raise awareness.

Watch the full report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpbmq5C7sDQ&t=3s

For young people living with food allergies and at risk of anaphyla...

16/06/2026

This September marks a historic moment for the food allergy community as Benedict’s Law comes into force in England, making robust allergytraining and protections mandatory in schools.

To support schools with these new requirements, we are delighted to announce the launch of a new training department within Allergy School, which offers everything schools need to become compliant with Benedict’s Law, completely FREE of charge.

Schools can fully access:
✅ Accredited online allergy and anaphylaxis training for ALL staff
✅ Named Allergy Lead support pack
✅ Named Allergy Governor support pack
✅ Allergy training record-keeping and allergy drill templates
✅ Incident and near miss reporting guidance
✅ Educational resources for all school age groups
✅ Information webinars
✅ Ongoing email support from our Allergy School team

If you are an allergy parent, work in education, or know someone who does, please help us spread the word and ensure every school is Benedict’s Law compliant for September.

If your school would like advice, support or information around Benedict’s Law, please tell them to visit allergyschool.org.uk and sign up to one of our free webinars via the Allergy School website or click the link below:
https://natashaallergyresearchfoundation2.beaconforms.com/form/c8e5ab57

Allergy School is endorsed by the Department for Education.

11/06/2026

Our daughter Natasha was 15 years old when she died from a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a sandwich. The food label was only partial and didn’t include the full ingredient and allergen information she needed to make a safe choice.

Her death was entirely preventable.

As her mum, there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about what Natasha would be doing now, the life she should be living, and the future she should have had.

Her story changed the law in the UK and today, Natasha’s Law requires foods made and packaged on-site for direct sale to carry full ingredient and allergen information, helping millions of people living with food allergies make safer choices every day.

It may sound like a simple change, but for millions of people living with food allergies, and other medical conditions that require accurate knowledge of ingredients, it means being able to make informed decisions to stay safe.

While we are incredibly proud of what Natasha’s Law has achieved, we know there is still more to do.

Your safety matters, and through Natasha’s voice, we will keep fighting for change, spreading awareness, and striving to create a safer world for everyone living with food allergies.

04/06/2026

Why are rates of food allergy increasing around the world, particularly among children and young people?

Food allergy is a fast-growing health challenge, affecting millions of families worldwide. Yet despite decades of research, we still don’t fully understand why more children than ever are developing potentially life-threatening food allergies, or how we can stop them before they begin.

Today, scientists believe the first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday may hold the key.

This critical period of development represents a unique window of opportunity, when the foundations for lifelong health are being built. During this time, a child’s immune system, gut microbiome and overall development are shaped in ways that can influence future health outcomes, including the risk of developing food allergy.

We are challenging the global scientific community to come up with bold ideas about how to prevent food allergy, to think differently, collaborate across disciplines and explore solutions that could change the outlook for future generations of children and families around the world.

We are asking the question:
What interventions can be made in the first 1,000 days, from conception to age 2, that could stop food allergy from ever developing in the first place?

To help answer this question, Natasha’s Foundation has committed to a landmark £10 million investment through Natasha’s Prize. The Prize will support the most ambitious and impactful scientific ideas, bringing together leading global researchers from across disciplines to pursue breakthroughs with the potential to transform lives.

As Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Natasha’s father, says, “We must think bigger, work together and push beyond what once seemed impossible, and make it possible.”

Natasha’s Prize is driven by hope, urgency and a belief that a world where fewer children develop food allergies is within our reach.

Natasha would be so proud of this Prize, created in her name. Through it, her legacy continues to inspire a global effort to protect future generations and create a safer future for children everywhere.

Please share this post with scientists, researchers, innovators and thinkers working on ideas that could help prevent food allergy before it starts.

👉Applications are now open www.natashasprize.org.uk

🗓️The application deadline is Friday 3 July 2026.

🏅The winning teams will be announced in June 2027.

02/06/2026

Big news, we have a new name.

We are proud to share that we have changed our charity name to Natasha’s Foundation, the food allergy charity.

When we launched in 2019 as The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, we did so in the wake of Natasha’s inquest and following the successful campaign that led to new food labelling legislation, Natasha’s Law. What began as a promise to honour our daughter’s legacy has grown into a catalyst for change, progress and hope.

Changing our name was not a decision we took lightly. But as our work, ambition and impact continues to grow, it feels like the right moment to take this next step.

Alongside our new name, we are unveiling a new logo featuring an Astra – a star inspired by the idea of reaching for the stars. It represents our determination to push beyond what once seemed impossible, to challenge the status quo, and to create a future where food allergies no longer limit lives. We know Natasha would have loved the new name, the logo and the vibrant colours that we have chosen to represent the Foundation.

To everyone who has followed our story, supported our mission and stood beside us on this journey, thank you. Your belief in what we do has helped bring us to this moment, and we hope you are as excited about this new chapter as we are.

The launch of Natasha’s Foundation also marks our launch of Natasha’s Prize. This is a ground-breaking £10 million global fund into scientific research, focused on preventing food allergy before it starts. It’s one of the most ambitious initiatives of its kind and carries with it a powerful hope, that future generations may one day live free from the fear of food allergies.

Natasha’s Foundation is more than a new name. It reflects our commitment to changing lives, accelerating progress and reaching higher than ever before.

Find out more at www.natashasfoundation.org.uk

01/06/2026

We have BIG and exciting news for the food allergy community!

Natasha’s Foundation is incredibly proud to launch Natasha’s Prize, a ground-breaking new £10 million global research prize, and the largest UK fund, for food allergy research ever awarded.

It’s bold, ambitious and full of hope and for people with food allergies, it will matter deeply. Natasha’s Prize will fund the game-changers, innovators, visionaries and pioneers, working to create a future without food allergy.

This once-in-a-generation opportunity will fund research focused on preventing and dialling back a disease that affects millions of people in the UK and around the world.

This year marks 10 years since we lost our daughter Natasha, who died aged 15 from an allergic reaction to sesame. Like everything we do, Natasha’s Prize is dedicated to Natasha, and to all those who live with and have lost their lives to food allergy.

Find out more at

Natasha’s Prize sounds brilliant. Even if it’s not going to cure me, if it’s going to cure other people and eventually put an end to food allergies then that’s great.

28/05/2026

When people hear the words ‘food allergies,’ they often only see the condition - adrenaline pens, checking food labels, asking lots of questions and anxiety around food.

Being labelled as being allergic and carrying that label with you every single day can be especially hard for children and young people - wanting to be able to participate in all that their peers are able to do without question, and to feel safe.

Food allergies will certainly shape parts of a person’s life, but they should never define who they are and who they will become. Because behind every food allergy is a whole person with dreams, personality, humour, talents and a life far bigger than their condition.

Natasha was brave, funny, a talented artist, she sang like an angel, she loved her family and friends fiercely, she had big dreams and the drive to achieve them…

We want to SEE YOU. Tell us about you or your special person below 💜

27/05/2026

We regularly hear stories you have shared with us, of being left feeling completely overwhelmed, frightened and alone following an allergic diagnosis, left trying to figure everything out on your own. No roadmap offered, no guidance, no support.

When Natasha was little, she experienced two anaphylaxis episodes before the age of one. We were terrified. Our GP told us to buy Piriton and we were given 2 EpiPens. No further instructions or information, we were very much on our own.

Shockingly, this is still the reality for too many people following their anaphylaxis or allergic reaction diagnosis. Left trying to ‘figure it out’ and learning how to stay safe, which takes time, can have a heavy emotional toll, not just on the person with the allergy, but also on those who love and care for them.

We want every allergic/anaphylaxis diagnosis to come with the right support, education, advice and understanding. Food allergies affect so many aspects of everyday life and no one should be left alone to navigate this alone.

Our call for an Allergy Tsar to be appointed by Government addresses this very important issue. Living with food allergies is about so much more than carrying EpiPens.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when food allergies became part of your life?

⬇️ We’d really love to hear your experiences in the comments.