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Natasha Ednan-LaperouseDaughter of millionaire Nadim Ednan-Laperouse
Date of Birth: 01.01.2003
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- The Tragic Loss of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse
- The Fatal Sandwich Incident
- Inquest and Investigation
- Food Labeling Laws and Loopholes
- British Airways' Role
- "We will continue to support the investigation in any way we can."
The Tragic Loss of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse
A Father's Grief and Demand for AnswersNadim Ednan-Laperouse, the heartbroken millionaire father, has demanded answers following the death of his 15-year-old daughter, who suffered a severe allergic reaction to a "perfectly normal sandwich" on a flight.
The Fatal Sandwich Incident
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, daughter of the founder of Wow Toys, had not even unpacked her belongings after arriving in Nice for a weekend trip from London. At Heathrow Terminal 5, she purchased an artichoke, olive, and tapenade baguette from Pret a Manger before boarding a British Airways flight.
Natasha had been diligent in checking the sandwich for allergens, but she was unaware of a fatal ingredient hidden from view. During the flight, she broke out in hives, and her father administered the first of two EpiPens, which she carried for emergencies. Despite the injection, she went into respiratory distress, and a second EpiPen injection failed to work. She suffered cardiac arrest and died in a hospital in Nice.
Inquest and Investigation
An inquest is scheduled for this week, where evidence will be heard from the deceased's family, the Pret a Manger manager, and the UK sandwich chain's head of health and safety.
"There are three of us now, my wife, my son, and me, and we still haven't found a way to live without our beloved girl," Nadim Ednan-Laperouse told The Observer.
Food Labeling Laws and Loopholes
The investigation is expected to examine food labeling laws and consider tightening them. Natasha died from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds that were baked into the baguette, rather than sprinkled on top. Sesame is one of the 14 allergens that auditor Ernst & Young notes must be declared on pre-packaged food.
However, a loophole allows companies like Pret a Manger to omit ingredient information if the food is made fresh in front of the customer and sold immediately. Food outlets typically display allergy warning signs on shelves and by tills. Pret a Manger is also said to encourage staff to verbally remind customers of potential allergens in sandwiches.
If the inquest finds there was inadequate allergen information, the civil claim could trigger a review of food allergen labeling regulations.
British Airways' Role
The inquest will also focus on the actions taken by British Airways staff in response to the emergency and the equipment and protocols that were in place.
A Pret a Manger spokesperson said: "We were deeply saddened to hear about Natasha's tragic death. We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. We recognize the importance of food allergies and take our responsibility to provide accurate allergen information very seriously."
"We will continue to support the investigation in any way we can."
The company also noted that it displays food allergen information in its shops and in its kitchens.
