Teen with Severe Dairy Allergy Dies After Drinking ‘Soya Milk’ Costa Hot Chocolate, Inquest Told.

Hannah’s mother shared that her daughter had always been meticulous about avoiding allergens. —Photo byPic via BBC

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A 13-year-old girl from East London, Hannah Jacobs, tragically lost her life after consuming a hot chocolate that was supposed to be dairy-free. The incident occurred on February 8, 2022, and was brought to light during an inquest at East London Coroner’s Court on August 13, 2024.

Incident Details

• Victim: Hannah Jacobs, a 13-year-old with a known severe dairy allergy.
• Location: Costa Coffee, Station Parade, Barking, East London.
• Circumstances: Hannah's mother, Abimbola Duyile, ordered two takeaway soya hot chocolates before a dental appointment. Despite specifying her daughter’s allergy and requesting soya milk, Hannah immediately sensed something was wrong after taking her first sip.

The Mother's Account

Ms. Duyile, an emotional figure at the inquest, recounted the events with profound sorrow. She mentioned being particularly cautious about her daughter’s allergies, ensuring to clearly state her request to the Costa Coffee staff.

• Ms. Duyile's Statement: “Hannah could have achieved so much in this world. My heart is broken.”

As soon as Hannah took a sip, she exclaimed, “That was not soya milk,” and quickly started showing signs of an allergic reaction. Despite swift action, including rushing to a nearby chemist where an EpiPen was administered, Hannah’s condition deteriorated rapidly.

Attempts to Save Hannah

• Immediate Response: After the allergic reaction began, Ms. Duyile rushed her daughter to a nearby chemist, where Hannah collapsed.
• Medical Intervention: A pharmacist administered an EpiPen injection and attempted resuscitation, but Hannah was pronounced dead at 1:00 PM GMT at the hospital.

A Life of Careful Caution

Hannah was known for her meticulous approach to avoiding allergens. Her diet was strictly free from milk, eggs, wheat, and fish, and she only ate at trusted locations. Despite her allergies, she was a caring and selfless child who even helped out at home by cooking meals for her family.

Ms. Duyile fondly remembered her daughter’s strong sense of justice and empathy, saying, “She would have made a great lawyer,” highlighting Hannah’s determination to stand up for what she believed was right.

Conclusion

The inquest into Hannah’s tragic death is set to continue for six days. The family hopes for answers and measures that could prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. This incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication and adherence to allergen-specific requests in food service.

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Source: malaymail