Parents of man who died after eating pizza call for allergen alerts
THE parents of a 23-yearold man who died of a suspected severe allergic reaction after ordering a pizza are calling for better allergen displays to be put on takeaway boxes.
James Atkinson died on July 10, 2020, after ordering a takeaway pizza from the Dadyal Restaurant in Newcastle, according to Leigh Day, his family’s solicitors.
Mr Atkinson, from Leeds, had a known allergy to peanuts, and his family have been told he might have suffered a severe allergic reaction.
A pre-inquest review into his death is due to open tomorrow at Newcastle Coroners Court.
Gulfam Ulhaq, believed to have been the restaurant owner, told the BBC in 2020 that the order was placed online through Deliveroo and the website contained “very clear” information regarding allergens and food hygiene.
At the time, the “restaurant notes” section for Dadyal had a “cross-contamination notice” for peanuts, Deliveroo sources have said.
Mr Atkinson’s parents, who said their son was “conscientious” about checking ingredients, want clearer displays of allergens to prevent a similar incident happening to someone else.
His father Stuart told the Sunday Times: “We’d like to see a simple system where it comes up with a tick box before you make the order – do you have an allergy, yes or no? If you tick yes then it instructs you to contact the restaurant by telephone.
“Allergy information is always hidden away. It needs to be up front.”
The Atkinson family are raising funds for their case through Crowdjustice.
Dadyal were contacted for further comment.