A 13-year-old girl tragically passed away after consuming a Costa Coffee hot chocolate, which led to a severe allergic reaction due to her dairy allergy. Hannah Jacobs, who had allergies to dairy, fish, and eggs since childhood, took a sip of the hot chocolate on February 8, 2022, and sadly lost her life shortly after. Her mother, Abimbola Duyile, had ordered two hot chocolates with soya milk, informing the barista about Hannah’s severe dairy allergy. Despite requesting the milk jug to be cleaned, Hannah still had a reaction after taking a sip of the drink while on her way to a dental appointment.
Hannah immediately felt unwell, coughing and experiencing swelling in her mouth and lips. Her mother rushed her to a chemist where she collapsed and was later declared dead in the hospital. Ms. Duyile expressed her initial anger towards the Costa Coffee staff, emphasizing the seriousness of her daughter’s allergies during the order. Despite feeling like she was being overly cautious, she knew it was necessary to communicate clearly about Hannah’s condition to prevent any mishaps.
The heartbreaking incident sheds light on the importance of allergy awareness and the need for improved protocols in food establishments to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. It serves as a reminder for both customers and staff to take allergies seriously and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to avoid cross-contamination and allergic reactions.
Furthermore, this unfortunate event underscores the significance of proper training for food service workers regarding allergen management and response procedures. It highlights the need for increased awareness and sensitivity towards customers with allergies to prevent similar incidents from happening. Allergy-related incidents can have devastating consequences, and it is crucial for everyone involved in the food industry to prioritize customer safety and well-being.
As the inquest into Hannah’s death continues, it is essential for authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The story of Hannah Jacobs serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks individuals with allergies face and the critical role that awareness and communication play in ensuring their safety and well-being.
