12-year-old dies from milkshake – and reveals the danger in a cafe

A 12-year-old girl in London died after drinking a milkshake at a cafe, due to a severe allergic reaction to nuts. The blender used to prepare the drink had previously been used to make a hazelnut milkshake and was not washed. The case highlights the danger of cross-contact with allergens in restaurants.

A 12-year-old girl in London died after drinking a milkshake at a cafe, due to a severe allergic reaction to nuts. The blender used to prepare the drink had previously been used to make a hazelnut milkshake and was not washed, causing cross-contact. The girl, who was allergic to nuts, collapsed and died shortly after arriving at the hospital. The article cites a 2013 study finding that 0.29 milligrams of hazelnut protein can trigger an allergic reaction, and a 2024 study finding that cross-contact accounts for 29% of cases of unintentional allergen exposure. The cafe owner admitted to violating food safety regulations and received a fine of about $24,000 and 100 hours of community service. The article also includes guidelines for preventing similar disasters, including thorough cleaning of utensils and separating utensils for allergens.

12-year-old dies from milkshake – and reveals the danger in a cafe