Benedict’s Law: What It Means for Food Businesses and Families

From September 2026, all schools in England will be required to comply with new statutory allergy guidance under Benedict’s Law – legislation introduced following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to cow’s milk protein while at school in 2021.

The law aims to strengthen allergy management in schools by requiring annual staff training, clear allergy policies, individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies, spare adrenaline auto-injectors on site and robust emergency procedures.

For NCASS members, the changes are particularly relevant if you supply food to schools or educational settings. While schools themselves are responsible for implementing the new guidance, food businesses play a vital role in protecting children with allergies. Accurate allergen information, robust food safety procedures and clear communication with schools have never been more important. If your business caters for schools, now is a good time to review your allergen management processes, ensure staff training is up to date and check that any menus, ingredients or recipes are communicated clearly to your customers.

The new law may also resonate on a personal level. Many NCASS members are parents or carers themselves and will want reassurance that their children’s schools are prepared to manage food allergies safely. Parents have every right to ask what allergy training staff have received, how emergency procedures work and what measures are in place to protect children with allergies. Benedict’s Law is an important step towards creating safer school environments and serves as a reminder that strong allergen management is everyone’s responsibility, from schools and caterers to parents and carers alike.

For more information on the new law coming into force, visit The Benedict Blythe Foundation.