An inquest has concluded that the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl, who had a severe dairy allergy, was the result of a “failure to follow the processes in place to discuss allergies” after she took a single sip of a Costa Coffee hot chocolate, Wales Online reports. The assistant coroner, Dr Shirley Radcliffe, highlighted a lack of communication between the coffee shop staff and the girl’s mother, leading to the oversight that cost the teenager her life. The incident occurred on February 8, 2023, in East London, where the girl died within hours of consuming the drink.
During the inquest, Dr Radcliffe stated that neither the girl nor her mother had an epi-pen with them, despite it being prescribed. A post-mortem examination revealed that the girl suffered a fatal allergic reaction triggered by an ingredient in the hot chocolate. The coroner emphasised the critical importance of adhering to allergy protocols and maintaining open communication between customers and staff to prevent such tragedies.
The heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of allergic reactions and the essential need for strict adherence to allergy procedures, especially in food establishments. As investigations into the incident concluded, it underscores the importance of robust systems in place to ensure the safety of customers with allergies.
The devastating loss of the young girl has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and awareness regarding allergies in public spaces, urging businesses to prioritize comprehensive training and communication to safeguard customers with allergies. The tragic incident has sparked conversations around allergy management and the vital role of clear protocols in preventing further such devastating outcomes.