What's happened
An inquest into the death of 13-year-old Hannah Jacobs revealed a tragic failure in communication regarding her severe dairy allergy. After consuming a Costa Coffee hot chocolate, which was believed to contain soya milk, Hannah suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction on February 8, 2022. The coroner highlighted lapses in protocol and communication between the coffee shop staff and Hannah's mother.
What's behind the headline?
Communication Failures
- The inquest revealed significant lapses in communication between Hannah's mother and the barista, Urmi Akter.
- Akter did not show the allergy information book to Hannah's mother, despite Costa's protocols requiring it when dietary restrictions are mentioned.
Protocol Adherence
- Costa Coffee's failure to follow established procedures for handling allergy requests contributed to the tragedy.
- The coroner noted that the staff did not adequately verify the drink's ingredients, leading to Hannah's fatal reaction.
Implications for Food Safety
- This incident underscores the critical need for food establishments to enforce strict allergen protocols.
- The case may prompt reviews of existing food safety regulations and training for staff in allergy awareness.
Future Considerations
- The tragedy highlights the importance of clear communication in food service, particularly regarding allergies.
- Enhanced training and accountability measures could prevent similar incidents in the future.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that Assistant Coroner Dr. Shirley Radcliffe emphasized the 'failure to follow the processes in place to discuss allergies' during the inquest. Metro highlighted the emotional testimony of Hannah's mother, Abimbola Duyile, who expressed her frustration over the lack of understanding from the barista. BBC News noted that neither Hannah nor her mother had an EpiPen on the day of the incident, which could have been crucial in managing her allergic reaction. Sky News reiterated the importance of adhering to allergen protocols, stating that the barista did not show the required allergen information book to the mother, despite her explicit request for soya milk.
How we got here
Hannah Jacobs, who had severe allergies to dairy, fish, and eggs, died shortly after consuming a hot chocolate from Costa Coffee on February 8, 2022. Her mother had ordered the drink, emphasizing the need for soya milk due to Hannah's allergies. The inquest aimed to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death and the adherence to allergy protocols by the coffee shop staff.
Go deeper
- What were the specific findings of the inquest?
- How can food establishments improve allergy protocols?
- What are the legal implications for Costa Coffee?
Common question
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What Happened in the Tragic Deaths of Hannah Jacobs and Jonathan Burton?
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What Happened in the Case of Hannah Jacobs and Her Allergic Reaction?
The tragic case of Hannah Jacobs, a 13-year-old girl who died after consuming a hot chocolate that may have contained cow's milk, raises critical questions about food allergies and safety in public spaces. This incident highlights the importance of proper communication and training in food service establishments, as well as the legal responsibilities they hold regarding food allergies. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this case and its implications.
More on these topics
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Costa Coffee is a British coffeehouse chain which is a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. It is headquartered in Dunstable, England.
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Hannah Jacobs is a British illustrator and animator.
Jacobs attended the Royal College of Art and graduated with an MA in 2014. She has worked on film projects for The New York Times, Vogue, Vice and Penguin Books. In 2020, she directed and created the...
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The Food and Drug Administration is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive departments.