A SCHOOLGIRL, 12, died suddenly after drinking a milkshake as her heartbroken family pay tribute.
Mia Shay St Hilaire suffered a severe allergic reaction after visiting Pop Inn Café, in Bermondsey, London, with her aunt and sister in August 2023.
Mia Shay St Hilaire, 12., died after drinking a milkshake from a cafe in Bermondsey[/caption]
The young girl, who had a tree nut allergy, was rushed to hospital after ingesting the contaminated drink.
Mia’s devastated parents, Adrian and Chanel said: “We think of Mia every day and knowing her death could potentially have been prevented so simply, only adds to how heartbroken we are as a family.”
Southwark Council’s food and safety team discovered the blender used to make the 12-year-old’s milkshake had not been cleaned properly.
An investigation found traces of almonds and hazelnuts in the machine from a previous drink.
CCTV evidence showed the café operator,Baris Yucel, failing to clean the blender before preparing Mia’s beverage.
The 47-year-old appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to six food safety charges.
They included failing to make allergen advice available and visible to customers, failing to manage allergen contamination and serving food that contained an allergenic ingredient that should not have been present.
He was given a 100-hour community order and fined £18,000.
Adrian and Chanel said they hoped the fine would send a “loud message” to fellow businesses.
As reported by News Shopper, Michelle Victor, a partner at Leigh Day representing Mia’s family, said: “Mia and all other children with allergies should be able to feel safe knowing that businesses serving food and drink adhere to food safety legislation put in place to protect their lives.
“But unfortunately, far too often we see that this doesn’t happen, which can have tragic consequences such as in this case.
“We are continuing to support Mia’s family and, while no outcome will ever make up for the loss they have suffered, this criminal prosecution is an important part of their fight to achieve justice for all those suffering with food allergies.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
