The death of 12-year-old Mia Shay St. Hilaire from a Twix milkshake has raised concerns about food safety for individuals with severe nut allergies. Mia ordered the milkshake at the Pop Inn in London while visiting with family. Although the shake did not contain tree nuts, she experienced anaphylaxis and collapsed at her aunt's home. Despite being taken to the hospital, she died shortly after arrival, according to the coroner's office.
The restaurant owner, Baris Yucel, reportedly used the same blender for a hazelnut-containing Kinder Bueno milkshake without cleaning it beforehand, leading to allergen cross-contact. Mia's parents expressed their desire to raise awareness about food allergies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Cross-contact is a significant issue, accounting for 29% of unintentional food allergen exposures, according to a 2024 study from the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) registry. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, emphasized the dangers of accidental exposures, noting that 3.4 million people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms annually due to food allergy reactions.
In the U.S., one in 13 children has food allergies, with 42% experiencing severe reactions. Even minute amounts of allergens can trigger serious responses; a study found that just 0.29 milligrams of hazelnut protein could cause a reaction in 5% of children.
Dr. Gupta highlighted the need for restaurants to improve their food allergy protocols, as they are the second most common source of food allergy reactions after homes. A 2024 international review found significant gaps in restaurant workers' knowledge and safety practices regarding food allergies.
To enhance safety, Dr. Gupta recommended that restaurants ask about food allergies and follow established protocols, including cleaning utensils between uses and labeling allergenic foods. An FDA investigation indicated that thorough cleaning methods effectively reduce allergen contamination.
Individuals with food allergies should consult allergists to understand their triggers and carry epinephrine auto-injectors for emergencies. Following Mia's death in August 2023, the Pop Inn was fined £18,000 (approximately $24,000) for food safety violations, and Yucel was required to serve 100 hours of community service.
The FDA has updated its Food Code to provide clearer guidance on allergen cross-contact, although it serves as a guideline rather than a law. Dr. Gupta noted that while awareness has improved over the past 20 years, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of individuals with food allergies.