Don’t play with lives, parents of allergy victim tell takeaways
THE parents of a teenage girl who died from a peanut allergy after a kebab yesterday warned food firms: ‘Do not play Russian roulette with people’s lives.’ Gemma and Adam Lee spoke out as two takeaway bosses were found guilty of the manslaughter of their daughter Megan, 15.
Royal Spice owner Mohammed Abdul Kuddus, 40, and manager Harun Rashid, 38, were both told they faced jail over Megan’s death from an asthma attack.
The meal was ordered via the Just Eat website by Megan’s friend, who had written ‘prawns, nuts’ in the notes section of the order form. The prosecution said it should have been ‘obvious’ the comments referred to an allergy.
Megan’s parents were in tears as the verdicts were read out. Speaking outside at Manchester Crown Court they said life without her would ‘never be the same’.
Mr Lee said: ‘Whilst we may have received some justice from today’s verdict, we live in hope that today’s result will give a warning to other food businesses operating in such a deplorable and ignorant manner to learn from this and improve their standards with immediate effect.
‘Do not guess, do not play ignorant, do not play Russian roulette with precious lives.’
Mr Lee added: ‘Megan’s positive presence and infectious smile will forever be missed, It hurts so hard that Megan did not get the chance to sit her GCSE exams, something she had worked so incredibly hard for, to celebrate her 16th birthday or go to the prom with her friends.’
Jurors found Bangladeshi nationals Kuddus and Rashid guilty of Megan’s manslaughter by gross negligence. Rashid was also found guilty of food hygiene and health and safety offences, which Kuddus had earlier admitted. The takeaway, in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was found to be dirty, with poor labelling and mouse droppings.
Judge Amanda Yip adjourned sentencing until next month but warned Kuddus and Rashid to expect prison. Megan suffered an allergic reaction after eating the £13.85 takeaway of seekh kebab, bhaji and peshwari naan on December 30, 2016. She died in hospital two days later.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Vaughton, of Lancashire Police, said: ‘As tragic as the circumstances are they are circumstances that could have been prevented. I hope that today’s conviction will lead to a change in working practices within food establishments to prevent any further tragedies taking place.’