Teen Dies After Allergic Reaction to Costa Coffee Hot Chocolate
- Hannah Jacobs tragically died after having a sip of a Costa Coffee hot chocolate.
- There was a miscommunication leading to the drink being made with dairy instead of soya milk, triggering a severe allergic reaction.
- The inquest hears that the confusion may have been the cause of the allergy death.
A tragic inquest has revealed that a 13-year-old girl, Hannah Jacobs, died after consuming a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee, potentially due to a miscommunication regarding her severe dairy allergy. On February 8, 2023, Hannah and her mother, Abimbola Duyile, visited a Costa branch in Barking, where Ms. Duyile specifically requested that the milk jug be washed to prevent cross-contamination. However, the barista, Ms. Akter, did not show Ms. Duyile the allergy information book, believing that washing the jug was sufficient. The inquest highlighted discrepancies in the order process, with Ms. Duyile asserting she requested two soya hot chocolates, while Ms. Akter claimed she reiterated the need to wash the jug and informed Ms. Duyile that hot chocolate is made with milk. After leaving the coffee shop, Hannah took a sip of the drink on her way to a dental appointment and immediately experienced a severe allergic reaction, prompting her mother to rush her to a nearby chemist. Witnesses described the distressing scene as Ms. Duyile struggled to comprehend the situation while Hannah exhibited symptoms of anaphylaxis, including swelling and chest pains. Despite efforts to administer an EpiPen, Hannah was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The inquest continues, with family representatives questioning whether proper procedures were followed to ensure the safety of customers with dietary restrictions.