Understand
Family of girl who died from allergic milkshake call for allergy management ratings
Overview
The family of 12-year-old Mia St Hilaire, who died of anaphylactic shock after drinking a milkshake containing hazelnut residue from an unwashed blender at a south-east London cafe, are campaigning for a dedicated allergy management rating system for food businesses.
Key points
- Mia St Hilaire died in August 2023 after drinking a Twix milkshake at the Pop Inn Cafe in Bermondsey, south-east London.
- An inquest concluded that her order contained hazelnut residue because the blender was not washed after preparing a Kinder Bueno milkshake.
- In January 2025, the cafe was fined £18,000 and its proprietor received community service for food safety and allergen offences.
- Mia's parents are calling for a separate, clearly displayed rating dedicated to allergy management, similar to standard food hygiene ratings.
- Natasha's Foundation supported the family's calls, highlighting the ongoing need to improve food allergy awareness, understanding, and regulation.