Food to go hot dog firm Rollover has failed to produce allergen-listing packaging in time for the start of Natasha’s Law, putting partnered stores and their customers at risk.

Messages seen by Better Retailing from symbol groups claimed while all ‘Classic’ foil bag packaging, including Walls lines ordered will contain compliant packaging labels, the firm has failed to carry out the required changes on its chilli cheese, burger and muffin packaging in time for the 1 October deadline.

After this point, all products packaged in store must contain a full list of ingredients with the allergens highlighted. Stores selling non-compliant lines will face ‘unlimited’ fines, and prosecution for offenses ranging up to corporate manslaughter in the event of a customer suffering an adverse reaction to an incorrectly labelled product.

Natasha’s Law affects all categories

The messages from symbol groups claimed non-compliant packaging is still being sent out to stores. The company has produced updated labels, but rather than apply these to the non-compliant packs itself, the labels are being sent alongside the non-compliant packaging with the expectation that stores apply the labels themselves.

Several retailers expressed concern that by placing the burden on store owners, Rollover was increasing the risk of non-compliant lines being sold in Rollover partnered stores.

The updated labels are also available to order seperately so that stores can update any existing packaging held in store. One warning, sent to stores on 28 September, said it will be ‘up to two weeks’ before the full range of Rollover products features compliant packaging.

Asked to comment on the claims, Rollover owners Pilgrim’s Food Masters said: “With the exception of two lines, Rollover packaging has been printed and is being despatched in full accordance with Natasha’s Law. On these two lines, due to the pandemic, there were higher level of stock so labels are being despatched with the packaging in order for stores to comply with the legislation at point of purchase.”

The spokesperson added: “We take the health and safety of our consumers seriously and Rollover is supporting its retailer partners by developing packaging to help them provide ingredient and allergen information in line with Natasha’s Law.

Labels are being distributed to stores where there are high stock levels of packaging for certain lines, as is common practise in the industry – a measure that avoids the financial and environmental impact to us and our customers of writing off perfectly good packaging stock.

We have communicated regularly with our customers on this change with information, including a full allergen guide, also available on our website.“

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Documents seen by Better Retailing show that as of 18 March 2021, Rollover range contain common allergens including cereals containing gluten, eggs, soybeans, milk and sulphur dioxide, and may contain traces of allergens including cereals containing gluten, eggs, nuts, sesame, soya, milk, celery and mustard. Ingredients and allergens may have changed since the document was produced.