Statement regarding inquest into the death of Shahida Shahid

10th January 2018

We were very saddened to learn of the death of 18-year-old Shahida Shahid a few years ago. Our Chief Executive is currently attending the coroner’s inquest that has been taking place this week in Manchester to understand if lessons can be learned from this tragic case.

Shahida was known to have eczema and an allergy to milk from an early age, later developing other allergies to egg, fish and nuts. She collapsed due to a severe allergic reaction following a visit to Almost Famous Burgers in Manchester. Although a friend administered the adrenaline auto-injector that Shahida carried with her, she sadly suffered irreversible severe brain damage and died three days later in hospital on 12th January 2015.

Lynne Regent, Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said:

“Our heartfelt condolences go out once again to Shahida’s family. The Anaphylaxis Campaign will continue to monitor this case very carefully as it progresses to understand if lessons can be learned from this tragic case.

It is vital that people living with food allergies draw attention to these when eating out and that all in the food service industry are fully trained and aware of the importance of dealing with food allergies correctly.”

The inquest began on 8th January 2018 and is expected to last at least eight days. We do not expect to release further comments until the conclusion of the inquest, when all the evidence has been heard.

By law, food businesses selling catered food (for example in restaurants, takeaways and hotels) are required to provide information on major allergenic ingredients, either in writing and/or orally. If information is provided orally, the food business will need to ensure that there is some sort of written signage that is clearly visible, to indicate that allergen information is available from a member of staff. Systems should also be in place to ensure that, if requested, the information given orally is supported in a recorded form to ensure consistency and accuracy.

You can find out more in our guide to eating out for young people here.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our helpline team at info@anaphylaxis.org.uk or call 01252 542 029.

For further information, please contact our press office via press@anaphylaxis.org.uk or call 01252 893 862.