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 experienced a terrifying allergic reaction, requiring fifteen shots of adrenaline to stabilize her. Following that near-fatal incident, she meticulously avoided dairy, a precaution she followed with unwavering dedication.
An inquest revealed the devastating truth: the flatbread she’d chosen was labeled “dairy-free” but contained hidden milk protein. The coroner’s report 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 loss that reverberated through their family. He pursued a legal claim against the cafe chain and the product’s manufacturer, seeking accountability for the fatal error.
After negotiations outside of court, a settlement of £1.25 million was reached. The cafe chain will contribute 25% of the sum, with the remaining portion covered by the manufacturer’s insurers.
The contamination stemmed from an ingredient in the yogurt used, identified as HG1, which had become cross-contaminated with milk protein during production. Crucially, the manufacturer possessed documentation highlighting this risk, yet failed to communicate it to consumers.
Celia’s daughter, Ashleigh Grice, poignantly shared that her mother lived with “constant” anxiety regarding food labeling, a fear tragically realized. The incident underscored the profound vulnerability of those relying on accurate allergen information.
The settlement approval took place at the High Court in London, a step towards closure for the grieving family. The judge expressed satisfaction with the agreement, acknowledging its importance.
This tragedy echoes a similar case from 2022, where thirteen-year-old Hannah Jacobs died after consuming a hot chocolate at another coffee chain. She, too, suffered a severe allergic reaction to dairy, highlighting a disturbing pattern of potential miscommunication and inadequate safety protocols.
Hannah had a lifelong allergy to dairy, fish, and eggs, and her reaction was immediate after taking just one sip of the drink. The inquest into her death revealed that the barista taking the order invoked her legal right to remain silent when questioned about her training and understanding of allergen procedures.
Hannah was pronounced dead within hours, leaving her family devastated and raising serious questions about the systems in place to protect individuals with allergies. Both cases serve as a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of inaccurate food labeling and the critical need for vigilance.
These events underscore the importance of clear communication throughout the food supply chain and the devastating impact of failing to prioritize the safety of those with allergies.
