Country Choice appoints allergen ambassador

Country Choice, provider of in-store bakery solutions for the convenience retail sector, has appointed its Technical Manager, Kerry Primarolo, as an Ambassador for Allergen awareness.

Kerry will be providing training to colleagues so that they can help customers to identify best practice in allergen compliance. She will also be producing a series of short videos aimed at improving knowledge around allergens and their importance when preparing food in-store.

The role is pivotal in educating and supporting convenience retailers to ensure that they are compliant with Natasha’s Law, a critical initiative aimed at safeguarding consumers with food allergies.

With at least two million people in the UK living with diagnosed food allergies labelling allergens has never been more important and with Natasha’s Law, which came into effect on October 1, 2021, requiring food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labelling on pre-packaged foods the role of Allergen Ambassador is a crucial appointment for the company.

As Country Choice’s Technical Manager, Kerry has a wealth of expertise, and a dedicated commitment to fostering a safer food environment for consumers. In her new role, Kerry will support sales colleagues who engage with convenience retailers to enhance their understanding of Natasha’s Law, guiding them through the necessary steps to ensure compliance and making them aware of the many solutions that Country Choice has on offer to help them.

“We are excited to have Kerry spearheading our efforts to make convenience retailers more aware of Natasha’s Law,” said Paul Nieduszynski, Sysco GB Chief Executive Officer.

“Kerry’s expertise and passion for food safety will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more informed environment for consumers and retailers alike. At Country Choice we recognise the importance of collaboration and, along with parent company Sysco GB, are proud to be a strategic partner of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.”

Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse founders of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation said, “Natasha would be immensely proud of the law in her name because it has transformed the everyday lives of hundreds of thousands in this country – particularly younger people who are more likely to purchase ‘food on the go’ from sandwich shops.”