Food Allergy Death.

[Bigbad]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-49688459

This was of course, an avoidable tragedy.
But should people in the catering trade have to shoulder the responsibility of knowing all the ingredients in everything they sell?

Is eating out when you have a potentially life threatening allergy, worth the risk?

[Old_Geezer]

If folk were (maybe are) obliged to list ingredients as food is processed then the end recipient should have the info. If one tells the establishment of an allergy and doesn't get a, "We don't know", response then they should be able to trust the food given them. That stated of course the only sure way is to grow/rear and prepare your food yourself, but what a depressing thing for life. Never being able to join others on such nights.

[ummmm]

It's very difficult. Allergies affect people differently. Where one might die another might just have a nasty reaction. You never know what the reaction will be until it happens.

If it were me or my kids, I wouldn't eat out.

[spathiphyllum]

"But should people in the catering trade have to shoulder the responsibility of knowing all the ingredients in everything they sell?"

*** yes!

[spathiphyllum]

Imagine..

"Excuse me sir or madam.. what's actually in the bryon burger?"

Waiter or waitress: "Who actually knows LOL"

[New Judge]

//Imagine..

"Excuse me sir or madam.. what's actually in the bryon burger?"

Waiter or waitress: "Who actually knows LOL"//

And, without the LOL it is a perfectly reasonable response. I doubt anybody on the premises knows what's in a "Byron Burger" (I don't even know what it is, let alone what might be in it). And nor they should. People with serious allergies must be responsible for their own safety and if they are in any doubt the should decline to eat the product. This boy had eaten two chicken "dinners" in a single day and failed to carry his potentially life saving medication with him. Sad as it is, he must bear the blame for his demise. It wasn't as if he was administered poison.

[Mamyalynne]

Those selling food should most definitely know what ingredients are in it.

[237SJ]

Even when allergens are listed there is normally a disclaimer to say that the lack of said allergens can't be guaranteed.

[spathiphyllum]

"I doubt anybody on the premises knows what's in a "Byron Burger" "

(sarcasm) yeah you're probably right NJ they probably just ordered a box with a label "Misc meat" and whacked it in some bread and called it a byron burger.. I doubt they actually have a clue what is in or on it.

[Bazile]

It must be an enormous burden for people with such an allergy ; having to check all foods that they consume ; knowing that a mistake / slip up can result in life threatening consequences

[spathiphyllum]

https://www.byron.co

[Zacs-Master]

'But should people in the catering trade have to shoulder the responsibility of knowing all the ingredients in everything they sell?'

Yes, by law:
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses

[spathiphyllum]

The menu makes it quite clear how much buttermik is about.

"Our hamburgers are made to our own unique and tasty recipe - a blend of chuck, brisket & rib cap. Ground twice and cooked medium so they are perfectly juicy. Served in a squishy bun with fries or a house salad."

https://www.byron.co/menu/food

[spathiphyllum]

The news report says it was the buttermilk that killed him (or implies it). The menu has the word buttermilk over it at least 5/6 times

[Mamyalynne]

Did it say that in 2017?

You don't know and nor do I.

/ Mr Carey's order was described on the menu as "Classic Chicken - grilled chicken breast, shredded iceberg, tomato, red onion, pickles, Byron sauce"./

[spathiphyllum]

Ah i didn't realise this happened in 17

[Baldric]

Yet again!!

[Old_Geezer]

9 times, but I suspect he considered that having mentioned the allergy he'd be told what to avoid. Seems that was an error.

[Old_Geezer]

There's a catch all statement saying all chicken coated in buttermilk.

[Bigbad]

I’m not sure I would want to risk it if me or mine had such a severe allergy.
Not only would you have to be sure about the ingredients in your own food, but there must be the worry of cross contamination too.
Must be a scary thing to live with.

Big responsibility for catering staff too, as Zacs-Master’s link shows.

I wonder why these allergies are becoming more common these days.
Up until a few years ago, I’d only heard of a nut allergy.

How do people find out they have such a severe allergy? I don’t mean to sound flippant, but the first time it happens, how do they survive?

[Old_Geezer]

They get "lucky" I suppose. Only get an initial small reaction.