DRAFT LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL MP

Below is a draft letter for you to copy, personalise and send to your MP, to ask them to write to Mark Spencer MP of DEFRA, who has the power to adopt the FSA’s recommendation and cement Owen’s Law in legislations. Sadly, we can’t write to Mark Spencer directly as to contact an MP you must live in their constituency. Find out how to contact yours here. Thank you for your support!

Dear [Name of MP]

I am writing to ask you to write to Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries at DEFRA, asking him to support the implementation of Owen’s Law in line with the recommendations of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The campaign for Owen’s Law seeks to change the law surrounding allergy labelling in establishments where food is freshly prepared: restaurants, cafés, takeaways, etc. This is in memory of Owen Carey, who lost his life to anaphylaxis in 2017 after unknowingly consuming dairy in a restaurant meal, to which he was severely allergic.

Owen’s Law compels restaurants to state the allergens in their dishes in writing at the point of ordering, be it on the face of the menu, noticeboard or app etc. This simple change would eliminate the risk that exists at the point of ordering where the waiter is not fully trained or does not understand about the allergens in each dish. To do this Owens family want to build on Natasha’s Law, which dealt with the ingredients and allergy listings on prepackaged takeaway food. Natasha’s Law showed that the UK’s allergen laws were flawed and outdated, needed reform, but it left an uneven situation where people taking away prepackaged food have more protection than those eating in restaurants. It is estimated that 10 people a year die from food related causes, but many more are left with uncomfortable or life-threatening conditions due to the effects of anaphylaxis, or other reactions to their food hypersensitivity. Owen’s Law is essential to protect the allergic population of the UK, which is growing each year, and ultimately prevent further deaths. Further information can be found at www.owens-law.co.uk

In December last year, after lengthy discussions between the FSA and Owen’s family, the FSA board voiced support for Owen’s Law. Their chair, professor Susan Jebb, has since written to Mark Spencer to ask him to cement the policies in legislation. See the letter here.

My ask of you is that you contact Mark Spencer and urge him to adopt the FSA recommendations as soon as possible. For the government to make such changes of cost, but in measurable benefit to those whose lives are blinded by allergies and anaphylaxis.

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