Pret launches nationwide ingredients labelling

The sandwich chain’s Five-Point Allergy Plan will include the launch of tablets with full ingredient information in every UK shop over the course of 2019. They will allow customers to browse all Pret’s products and the allergens they might contain.

Full ingredient labels are now live for all products in 20 stores, with further roll-outs planned for later this month and across the summer. The full five-step plan can be found in the box below.

Successful pilot​

The launch followed a successful pilot in Pret’s two shops in London Victoria, which saw team members label over half a million sandwiches, baguettes and wraps since November 2018.

Chief executive Clive Schlee said the roll-out proved that full ingredients labelling was operationally possible in small kitchens when proper care was taken.

“But labelling is only part of the challenge,”​ he added. “We have listened to Pret customers with allergies and they have told us they face a range of issues when deciding to eat out – from limited menu choices to a lack of awareness and understanding from food businesses.​

“Pret’s Allergy Plan will tackle many of these issues and help to ensure that every customer has the information they need to make the right choice for them.”​

Quarterly updates​

To support the roll-out, Pret has pledged to share quarterly incident updates to help boost transparency and raise awareness of food safety.

The launch of Pret’s Five-Point Allergy Plan drew closely on recommendations from Tim J Smith, chair of the firm’s Food Advisory Panel as part of his review of its food policies.

Concerns over Pret’s labelling polices were raised following the allergy-related deaths of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016 and 42-year-old Celia Marsh in December 2017 after eating the sandwich chain’s products.

The deaths sparked calls for a change in on-pack labelling laws and a review by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.