Campaigners Urge Better Food Allergy Training After Teen’s Death from Costa Drink

The death of 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs from an allergic reaction to a Costa Coffee drink has prompted calls for better allergen training in the food industry. An inquest revealed communication failures, and campaigners are urging stricter government action to prevent similar tragedies.

The death of 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs, who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction after drinking a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee, has sparked calls for improved food allergy training.

Hannah, who had a severe dairy allergy, died in February 2023 despite her mother informing the staff in Barking, East London, about her condition.

An inquest revealed a 'failure of communication' between the coffee shop staff and Hannah's mother, highlighting inadequacies in allergen training.

Campaigners, including the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from an allergic reaction in 2016, are urging the government to take action to ensure better food safety practices.

The inquest findings have led to criticism of the food industry's 'tick-box' approach to allergen training, with calls for more rigorous and enforced education on allergy management.