Pret A Manger vows ‘meaningful change’ after teen’s allergy death
The company faces recrimination after a failure to label potential allergens in a baguette led to the death of a U.K. girl. Executives at the chain have promised to improve its labeling.
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Meticulous attention to allergen labels is crucial for food purveyors.
Improper or insufficient labeling can cause severe illness or even death, not to mention generating a reputational crisis for a brand.
Ready-made sandwich chain Pret A Manger is defending its care for customers after a teenage girl died from an allergic reaction to the sesame seeds in its artisan baguette.
Pret failed to note the ingredient as an allergen on its packaging. In-store signs direct customers to ask staff about potential allergens in their products.
Pret a Manger’s food labelling failed to warn a 15-year-old girl who died after eating one of its baguettes that the sandwich contained allergens, an inquest has heard.
Concluding the hearing into the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, coroner Dr Sean Cummings recorded a narrative verdict, finding that the teenager was “reassured” by the lack of specific warnings on the packaging.
“Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died of anaphylaxis in Nice on July 17, 2016, after eating a baguette purchased from Pret a Manger at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5,” he said.
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