Owen Carey had just turned 18 and was celebrating his birthday with family members and his girlfriend on a day out in London on 22nd April 2017. He had suffered with multiple food allergies all his life and was well used to ordering meals to fit his restricted diet when in restaurants. For lunch that day, Owen ordered a grilled chicken burger at a Byron Burger restaurant, which, having explained his allergies to the server and having no other information on the menu to the contrary, he was assured would be ‘plain grilled’ and therefore safe for him to eat. However, the chicken had in fact been marinated in buttermilk, to which Owen was highly allergic. He only ate a small amount as he could tell immediately that something was wrong. His breathing became more and more restricted and he was using his asthma inhaler constantly as he and his girlfriend journeyed to London’s South Bank for what was supposed to be the second half of Owen’s celebratory day. Forty-five minutes later, having arrived at the London Eye, Owen collapsed, having suffered a massive anaphylactic reaction. Paramedics and a team at St Thomas’ Hospital tried everything they could, but were unable to resuscitate him.
His family are calling for a change in the law surrounding how allergy information is displayed and given in restaurants in the UK and hope that a simple change in labelling and staff training will prevent any future needless deaths of people with food allergies.
Just by taking some small,easy steps, small businesses can help prevent other tragedies and at the same time, help protect their businesses, their customers and themselves. There is some good advice in the links at the end of this article.
Ann Vandermeulen – Development Manager for FSB Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said:
Many food businesses will already pay attention to allergies as they care very much about their customers and none of them would want to see such a devasting outcome or even be the cause of minor problems. However, in this case, unforgiveable mistakes were made. Whilst this campaign calls for legislation, which takes time, it is a good reminder to all food businesses to act now. We would suggest that all businesses review and tighten up their processes so that the tragic events that Owen's family experienced cannot happen again. We would urge anyone in any doubt to speak to Business Regulatory Support 0300 1234 212 (option 4) for immediate advice on food safety to protect both customer and business. If a change in the law is successful, then we would like to see support for implementation of any mandatory activity as businesses are concerned about the cost and legal implications such as fines. So this needs to work for all. However, this campaign also offers some suggestions that could be implemented voluntarily, offering an immediate solution and creates normal practise before any laws may come into force. I’d like to thank Paul for bringing this to our, and your, attention.”
Owen’s family want to see a change in the law that, inter alia, compels restaurants to state the allergens in their dishes, specifically on the face of the main menu. This simple change would eliminate the risk that exists at the point of order when a waiter does not fully understand, or is not trained enough to process, or simply ignores the customer’s concerns about allergens in each dish. More details about this and other aspects of the law and regulations, and anaphylaxis research in general are contained in the website link below.
It is hoped that the Government can be persuaded to change the law. To do this Owen’s family want to build on Natasha’s Law, which dealt with the ingredients and allergy listings on pre-packaged takeaway food. Natasha’s Law showed that the UK’s allergen laws were flawed and outdated, and needed reform, but it left an uneven situation where people taking away pe-packaged food have more protection than those eating in restaurants. Owen’s family want to persuade the industry, the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) and the Government that to make such changes is of no cost but immeasurable benefit to those whose lives are blighted by allergies and anaphylaxis. The family already have the support of the Anaphylaxis Campaign and Dr Adam Fox, President of the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology. They have written to DEFRA and continue a dialogue with the FSA. They are also establishing contact with as many relevant interested parties as possible.
Can you help Owen’s family and make a truly important change in the way restaurants deal with allergens on their menus? The current system did not work for Owen and has also failed or risked the lives of others, but Owen’s family truly believe such deaths can, and should be avoided.
If you are interested in helping Owen’s family, please contact his Father, Paul Carey:
[email protected] , Tel: 07904 269 495
Please sign the petition to change the law: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/585304
Website: https://owens-law.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Owens-Law-104999778259630