What's Really in your Food?

I've been browsing through news sites and popular blogs and came across a story about a 15 year old, Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died of an allergic reaction because of poor labeling. This story stuck out especially to me because of the frequency of these kinds of stories I've seen recently. A recent inquest was heard in UK surrounding the death of 13-year old Karanbir Cheema who died of a fatal cheese reaction. He didn't even eat the cheese, as you would suspect is the case. A fellow schoolmate chased him and put the cheese down his shirt which resulted in his death. Both these cases occurred 2 years and a year ago respectively. For the purpose of this blog, I will focus on the case of Natasha.

15-year old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse?

It was interesting to me that this case took place two years ago but is only now receiving legal attention. Now. Today. In 2018. I understand the legal system takes some time, but two years is a long time to have parents waiting for those responsible for their 15 year old daughter's death to be punished. However, that's the case. So here's what happened! Young Natasha and her father were on their way to their flight from Heathrow Airport to Nice, France. It's typical that people grab a bite before enduring a lengthy flight, or any flight for that matter. Natasha and her father decided on a baguette from Pret a Manger. This global chain restaurant, did not label all ingredients on its package which convinced both Natasha and her father that it was safe for her to have. It did, however, contain sesame seeds, to which Natasha is extremely allergic. Just minutes after boarding their flight, Natasha experienced cardiac arrest and had to endure two Epi-pen shots, and CPR for the duration of the flight. But, that's not all that happened!

The baguette Natasha bought which resulted in her death.

The Airline could've helped, but didn't!

After Natasha's heart arrested, you would think those on the flight would do all they could to help her. Yes, they called out for the doctor who performed CPR. Yes, they administered two Epi-pen shots. But! The airline had a defibrillator on-board which they decided not to acquire because they needed all their staff to STAND by the emergency exits. You read that right! Head of Cabin stated that 'doors take priority'. Please roll your eyes as hard as I am typing this. They decided to guard the doors while Natasha laid lifelessly on the floor of the plane. Just minutes before landing, Natasha died.

Annoy them! Ask what's in YOUR Food!

This very unfortunate incident could've been prevented in many ways. None of them, however, did. It is nowhere near Natasha or her father's fault that she was misinformed about what she was eating. It was no problem for Pret a Manger to label their subs 'gluten-free'. They, however, couldn't take the time to correctly list ALL the ingredients so as to prevent such a tragedy. We often take what we get when it comes to buying food. It is our responsibility and our right to ask and demand they tell us what it is we're eating. No matter how bad of an attitude they may have, ask. Be absolutely sure that you will be safe after consuming this. Allergic reactions are to be treated with utmost urgency and should not be ignored. We should not simply depend on an Epi-pen to save our lives, as this is not always the case.

The inquest in still on-going and is expected to continue until Friday. Let's hope someone is held responsible for the death of this young angel. May her soul rest in peace.