A millionaire toy tycoon is demanding answers after his daughter, 15, died of a severe allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger sandwich while on a flight from London to Nice.
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse bought the artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette from a shop at Heathrow Terminal 5 before collapsing on the British Airways flight.
An inquest will take place this week in London and will hear evidence from the family, the manager of the Pret and the head of safety at the UK-based food chain.
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse bought the artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette from a shop at Heathrow Terminal 5
The schoolgirl, of Fulham, was given two doses of drugs by her father via an EpiPen but could not be saved and died in hospital in Nice
The schoolgirl, of Fulham, was given two doses of drugs by her father via an EpiPen but could not be saved and died in hospital in Nice.
According to the Observer, her father Nadim, who founded Wow Toys, said: ‘As a family now of three, my wife, son and I are still trying to adjust to life without our beloved girl.
‘It’s a daily battle and the pain is indescribable. Everything we say and do is a reminder that she isn’t with us; her empty bedroom, school uniform hanging in her wardrobe, her holiday bag packed for her holiday in Nice has never been unpacked. We can’t bear to.’
The inquest is expected to examine product labelling laws and investigate whether they need to be tightened.
The sesame seeds are believed to have been baked into the bread, rather than have been spread over the crust.
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse started WOW toys, and has recent recipient of an MBE for his service to industry
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse with wife Tanya and son Alex
Sesame is one of 14 allergens that EY laws say must be listed in pre-packaged food made off premises.
But loopholes mean companies including Pret do not have to list the information on food prepared on the same day in an on-site kitchen.
Instead, signs on shelves and tills at Pret are supposed to warn customers of potential allergies or encourage them to speak to staff.
It is understood the case could trigger civil actions should the coroner find problems with the allergy information.
The inquest will also hear from British Airways staff over their actions to save Miss Ednan-Laperouse and what training and equipment was provided for such a situation.
A spokesman for Pret previously said the company was ‘deeply saddened’ by her death and that food allergies are taken ‘extremely seriously’.