13-year-old Dies from Allergic Reaction at Costa Coffee

A tragic inquest has revealed that 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs died after consuming a hot chocolate made with cow's milk at a Costa Coffee, despite her severe dairy allergy. The incident occurred in February 2023, shortly after Hannah took a sip of the drink, which was supposed to be made with soya milk. Assistant coroner Dr. Shirley Radcliffe highlighted a significant failure in communication between Hannah's mother, Abimbola Duyile, and the coffee shop staff, which ultimately led to the fatal allergic reaction. Hannah's mother expressed her devastation outside the court, criticizing the food service industry's approach to allergy training, describing it as a "tick-box exercise." She emphasized the need for better awareness and understanding of anaphylaxis symptoms among food service employees and medical professionals. On the day of the incident, neither Hannah nor her mother had their prescribed EpiPen, which could have potentially saved her life. The inquest also revealed that the barista who took the order failed to show Duyile the allergy book, which is supposed to detail ingredients and preparation methods. Despite Duyile's explicit request for the jug to be washed due to her daughter's allergy, the staff did not confirm whether cow's milk was used in the drink. Following the inquest, calls for improved allergy training and awareness have intensified, with advocates urging the government to appoint an "Allergy Tsar" to oversee allergy safety measures. Costa Coffee expressed their condolences, acknowledging the tragedy of Hannah's death and the importance of understanding how such incidents can occur. The case has reignited discussions about the need for rigorous training and accountability in the food service industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.