The parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a 15-year-old who died from an allergic reaction after eating a Pret baguette, have announced a £10 million prize to fund research into food allergies. Natasha, from Fulham, west London, died in July 2016 after suffering a severe allergic reaction to sesame baked into the sandwich, which was not listed as an ingredient on the packaging.
Following her death, Natasha's parents campaigned for a change in the law requiring all food outlets to provide full ingredient lists and allergy labelling for foods made and packaged on the premises. Their foundation, Natasha's Foundation, has now launched 'Natasha's Prize', which they describe as the largest fund for food allergy research ever awarded in the UK.
The foundation has identified the first 1,000 days from conception as a critical window for study and intervention. Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Natasha's mother, said: 'This prize has been in our hearts for a long time. It is 10 years this year since Natasha died and, like everything we do, it is dedicated to our daughter, Natasha, and all those who live with and have lost their lives to food allergy.'
From June 1, scientists worldwide can apply for the prize. A scientific advisory panel will select applicants to collaborate on solutions aimed at preventing food allergies. The foundation will announce which research concepts it will fund on June 1, 2027. Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, space scientist and prize ambassador, said: 'What is exciting about Natasha's Prize is that it is looking at preventing allergies in the future for the next generation.'
