12-year-old girl died after drinking milkshake made in unwashed blender

A 12-year-old girl tragically died after drinking a milkshake that had been made in an unwashed blender at a cafe in London.

Mia St Hilaire visited Pop Inn Cafe in Bermondsey with her aunt and sister in August 2023.

She fell ill after ordering a milkshake, having been unaware that it contained traces of hazelnuts and almonds.

Mia, who had an allergy to tree nuts, was taken to hospital but sadly died two days later.

CCTV footage was later used as evidence to prove that the cafe’s operator, Baris Yucel, had not cleaned the blender before preparing Mia’s drink, meaning residue from a previous order remained in the appliance.

Southwark Council argued that this oversight had caused the schoolgirl to suffer a severe allergic reaction, which ultimately proved fatal.

The cafe had also failed to display signs about allergens in its food, with no system in place to avoid dangerous cross-contamination.

It has now been fined £18,000, while its proprietor has been handed 100 hours of community service after admitting six criminal charges related to the Food Safety Act.

Responding to the news, Mia’s parents, Adrian and Chanel, said: "We think of Mia every day and knowing her death could potentially have been prevented so simply, only adds to how heartbroken we are as a family.

“We hope this conviction and fine sends a loud message to businesses serving food and drinks across the country, of the devastating consequences of failing to take food safety seriously.”

Michelle Victor - a solicitor from Leigh Day, which is representing the family - added: “Mia and all other children with allergies should be able to feel safe knowing that businesses serving food and drink adhere to food safety legislation put in place to protect their lives. But unfortunately, far too often we see that this doesn’t happen, which can have tragic consequences such as in this case.

“We are continuing to support Mia’s family and, while no outcome will ever make up for the loss they have suffered, this criminal prosecution is an important part of their fight to achieve justice for all those suffering with food allergies.”

An inquest into Mia’s death has not yet been held, and will take place at a later date.

UK food allergy charity The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation said Mia's tragedy marked 'yet another' death that 'should never have happened'.

"We have met Mia’s parents on several occasions, and our hearts are absolutely broken for them and their terrible loss," the charity said in an Instagram statement.

"Rules around allergen safety are there to protect people with food allergies and must be taken seriously by all café and food operators. Food allergies are not a choice or preference, but a serious medical condition that can for some be fatal."