Celia Marsh reached for a flatbread during a family outing in Bath, a simple act that would tragically become the final moment of her life.
Months prior, Celia had endured a terrifying ordeal – a severe allergic reaction requiring fifteen shots of adrenaline. Following that near-fatal experience, she meticulously avoided dairy, a precaution she followed with unwavering dedication.
The inquest revealed a devastating truth: the flatbread was labeled “dairy-free” but contained hidden milk protein. Coroner Maria Voisin stated plainly that a product marked as dairy-free *must* be free from dairy, a fundamental expectation shattered in this case.
Her husband, Andy Marsh, described Celia as his “best friend,” a testament to the profound loss felt by her family. He subsequently pursued a legal claim against the cafe chain and the product’s manufacturer, Planet Coconut Ltd, seeking justice and accountability.
After negotiations outside of court, a settlement of £1.25 million was reached. Pret, the cafe chain, will contribute 25% of the sum, with Planet Coconut’s insurers covering the remainder.
The contamination stemmed from an ingredient in the yogurt, identified as HG1, which became cross-contaminated with milk protein during manufacturing. Crucially, the manufacturer possessed documentation highlighting this risk, yet failed to communicate it to consumers.
Celia’s eldest daughter, Ashleigh Grice, poignantly shared that her mother lived with “constant” anxiety regarding food labeling, a fear tragically realized.
The High Court approved a specific aspect of the settlement, acknowledging the devastating impact of the error. This case underscores the critical importance of accurate food labeling and transparent communication of potential allergens.
This tragedy echoes a similar case just months earlier, where thirteen-year-old Hannah Jacobs tragically died after consuming a hot chocolate at Costa Coffee. She suffered from severe allergies to dairy, fish, and eggs.
Hannah’s reaction was immediate, occurring after just one sip of the drink. Despite her mother’s order specifying allergy requirements, a potential “miscommunication” led to the inclusion of cow’s milk, resulting in her untimely death.
During the inquest, the barista who took the order invoked her legal right to remain silent when questioned about her training and understanding of allergy protocols, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Both cases highlight the potentially fatal consequences of allergen mislabeling and the urgent need for robust safety measures within the food service industry, and the constant vigilance required by those living with allergies.
