London inquest confirms death of girl from milkshake allergy

An inquest by the South London Coroner's Court has concluded that 12-year-old Mia St Hilaire died from a severe allergic reaction after consuming a contaminated milkshake in London.

The incident occurred in August 2023 at the Pop Inn Cafe on Southwark Park Road. Mia, who had a known nut allergy, consumed a Twix milkshake that had been contaminated with hazelnut residues from a previously prepared Kinder Bueno milkshake. Investigations revealed that the cafe owner, Baris Yucel, failed to clean the blender before preparing the drink.

After consuming the milkshake, the teenager suffered anaphylaxis and collapsed at her aunt's home. Despite being rushed to Evelina London Children's Hospital, she could not be saved. Following the incident, Yucel admitted to six criminal charges related to the Food Safety Act and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and fined £18,000.