Pret A Manger appoints former FSA chief to head new advisory panel

Pret A Manger has announced the appointment of former Food Standards Agency chief executive Tim J Smith to head up the sandwich chain's new food advisory panel.

The appointment comes as Pret looks to introduce new measures following the death of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered an allergic reaction to sesame baked into one of its baguettes.

Smith's panel will also include anaphylaxis campaigners and medical professionals who will examine how the company approaches food safety issues associated with allergies.

He said: "We've all been struck by the recent rise in incidents caused by allergens in our food. Pret has recognised its responsibility to do what it can to deal with this as a priority, working in partnership across the industry. As we continue the progress which has already been made, it's clear that giving customers the best possible information will be top of our agenda."

Pret CEO Clive Schlee pledged to list all ingredients including allergens on its freshly made products after a coroner described its signposting as "inadequate".

In a blog post posted on Wednesday Schlee said that allergen awareness stickers would be placed on the packaging of all sandwiches and salads from next week.

Later this month the company will launch a trial of full ingredient labels on all freshly made products at a shop in Victoria, with more changes expected in the coming months.

Pret A Manger to flag up all ingredients on products>>

Pressure mounting on operators after allergen deaths>>

Coroner brands Pret A Manger's allergy labelling ‘inadequate'>>

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