Co-op is partnering with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation during this year’s Allergy Awareness Week (26 April to 2 May) to fund vital allergy research.
The convenience retailer has announced it will donate 10% from the sale of every single Co-op ‘Free From’ product, sold in all its stores during Allergy Awareness Week, to the foundation.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation was formed in 2019 following the tragic loss of 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to an undeclared ingredient in a baguette from a fast-food outlet. The charity focuses on medical research as well as education and raising awareness of food allergies.
Natasha’s parents, Tanya and Nadim, said, “We are delighted to be working with Co-op to raise awareness of food allergies, which affect more than 2 million people in the UK. Everyone should be able to buy and consume food safely.
'Clear labelling and free-from food ranges allow people with food allergies to do just that, and we welcome the steps Co-op has taken to support people with food allergies.”
Jo Whitfield, Co-op’s Food CEO, said, “We’re committed to supporting the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, whose work and research will help so many people living with food allergies.
'Every day in our stores we help provide a Free From solution for our customers with food allergies, through a variety of great tasting products and clear allergy labelling, which we know is so vital. The foundation is doing such important work and I’m delighted to lend our support.”
Co-op’s Free From range is available nationwide in store and online and includes a wide range of products from breads to breakfast cereals.