Owen Carey was at last 18, and a London burger joint on the River Thames appeared to be an incredible spot to celebrate. It was then that despite informing the restaurant staff of his dairy allergy that he suffered from food-induced anaphylaxis. The incident occurred in 2017 on Owen’s birthday. The family finally received closure.

What caused Owen's allergy?

Owen ordered a grilled chicken breast. To be on the safe side, Owen informed the Byron chain staff about his severe dairy allergy. However, despite warning the wait staff, he wasn't warned that his dish had been marinated in buttermilk.

Owen took a few bites. At that point, his lips shivered, and he experienced stomach problems. Subsequently, he collapsed near the London Eye not exactly an hour later, international media reported. He later passed away in the hospital.

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Investigation revealed food-induced anaphylaxis as a cause of death

The 2017 episode started misery and shock among Owen's family, who looked for answers about how his demise could have occurred. On Friday, they got an answer at the Southwark Coroner's Court. Coroner Briony Ballard in a statement read aloud in  court said, "Owen died of severe, food-induced anaphylaxis, despite making staff aware of his allergies."  Ballard further said that, "The menu was reassuring in that it made no reference to any marinade or potential allergenic ingredient in the food selected," and then added that "Owen was not informed that there were allergens in the order."

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The U.K. should have strict bylaws 

Owen’s sister Emma Carey, while speaking to the media said that Owen was a shining light and his death should not have happened. The Carey family said Owen's passing and the examination disclosure should incite new U.K. laws that make allergen marking in restaurants more conspicuous and detailed, as opposed to verbal exchanges in noisy restaurants with busy staff. Emma Carey also said that this leaves far too much room for error on an issue that can cost lives, and it should be a serious concern.

Byron CEO Simon Wilkinson said in an announcement after the examination that his restaurants "have robust procedures" to manage customers suffering from allergies. He also acknowledged and did not defend the circumstances which led to Owen’s untimely death. On the other-hand  Wilkinson said, it is incredibly sad that our most evolved ways of communication were not able to meet the customer’s requirements. 

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Byron’s now incorporates data about allergens

Clodagh Bradley who is the attorney for the family said that during the investigation that information related to allergens was printed at the bottom of the menu, in a very small font, in black print on a royal blue background, as reported by international media. Aimee Leitner-Hopps, Byron's representative responded by saying "the expectation is that a customer with an allergy should inform us," even though the Coroner said Owen did, in fact, inform the staff about his allergy. After this case, Byron’s menu now makes reference to the buttermilk marinade for chicken and incorporates data about other allergens. It additionally incorporates a disclaimer. 

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