A 13-year-old girl with a severe dairy allergy tragically lost her life after consuming a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee, highlighting a critical failure in the coffee chain’s allergy management procedures.
Hannah Jacobs, a resident of Barking, East London, died within hours of taking a sip of the drink on February 8, 2022.
An inquest held at East London Coroner’s Court concluded that her death was a direct result of “a failure to follow the processes in place to discuss allergies” and a breakdown in communication between the coffee shop staff and Hannah’s mother.
Despite explicitly informing the barista about Hannah’s severe dairy allergy and requesting soya milk for both hot chocolates, the drink contained cow’s milk. This fatal error underscores the devastating consequences of such oversights.
The inquest heard heart-wrenching testimony from Hannah’s mother, Abimbola Duyile, who described her daughter’s rapid deterioration after consuming the hot chocolate. Hannah experienced severe symptoms, including chest pains, swollen lips, and itching, prompting her mother to rush her to a nearby chemist. Unfortunately, despite immediate medical attention, Hannah’s life could not be saved.
Assistant coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating that the root cause of Hannah’s death was a combination of failed allergy procedures and communication breakdowns. She also highlighted the absence of an EpiPen, a life-saving medication for severe allergic reactions, on the day of the incident.
Costa Coffee has expressed its deepest condolences to Hannah’s family and acknowledged the tragic loss. The company has since implemented measures to enhance allergy management protocols, including additional staff training and revised procedures to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.
However, Hannah’s death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies and the vital importance of stringent allergy management practices in the food industry. It is imperative for food establishments to prioritize the safety of customers with allergies and to ensure that staff are adequately trained and equipped to handle allergen-related requests.
Beyond the immediate impact on Hannah’s family, this tragedy has sparked a wider conversation about food allergy awareness and the need for stricter regulations in the hospitality industry. It is essential to create a safe environment for individuals with allergies, and this incident underscores the urgent need for improvements in allergy management across the board.
As the nation mourns the loss of a young life, it is hoped that Hannah’s story will catalyse change, leading to a safer future for individuals with food allergies.
