Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

DonateEMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

Statement regarding conviction appeal of Mohammed Abdul Kuddus following the death of Megan Lee

by

Friday 17th May 2019

Mohammed Abdul Kuddus, the takeaway boss found guilty of manslaughter following the death of 15 year old Megan Lee, has won an appeal against his conviction.

After eating takeaway food containing peanuts from the Royal Spice Indian in Hyndburn, Lancashire on Friday 30th December 2016, Megan Lee began experiencing a severe allergic reaction. She was later admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital but sadly passed away on Sunday 1st January 2017.

Mohammed Abdul Kuddus was given a two-year jail sentence in November 2018, but Court of Appeal judges quashed his “unsafe” conviction on Thursday 16th May 2019.

 

Anaphylaxis Campaign Chief Executive Lynne Regent says: “We are shocked at this decision, and our thoughts go out to Megan’s family during this difficult time. We will continue to work with the food industry to highlight how vital it is that people living with severe allergies are provided with food that is safe for them to eat. It is extremely important that food companies learn from this tragic incident and the implications of getting it wrong”.

 

Sir Brian Leveson, announcing the decision yesterday, said Megan’s order, including the comment about nuts and prawns to highlight her allergies, was seen by takeaway manager Harun Rashid but not passed on to Kuddus. He said: “He knew nothing of the allergy which she had declared. In those circumstances, the conviction for gross negligence manslaughter cannot stand”.

But, he also went on to say: “There is now a general awareness of the potential risks to those who suffer from allergies and, as a result, it should be understood that the courts will rigorously scrutinise the way in which restaurants discharge the duty of care that they owe such customers”.

 

For more information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-48300528

 

About the Anaphylaxis Campaign

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is the only UK wide charity solely focused on supporting people at risk of severe allergic reactions. We empower people living with severe allergies to be more confidently in control of their lives.

We provide information and support to people living with severe allergies, their families and carers, through our national helpline, volunteer-led local support groups and free online AllergyWise training courses. We also campaign and fundraise to achieve our ultimate aim, to create a safer environment for all people at risk of severe allergies.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our helpline team at [email protected] or call 01252 542029.

For further information, please contact our press office via [email protected] or call 01252 893864.

Peanut immunotherapy paper causes stir in the allergic world

by

Thursday 9th May 2019

Immunotherapy works by slowing introducing small amounts of the problem allergen to the patient in two phases known as ‘initial’ or ‘up dosing’ and the ‘maintenance’ phase, with the aim of reducing allergic reactions following accidental exposure.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign welcomes the research paper by Chu et al which contributes to the science of food oral immunotherapy. This paper has claimed, through a systematic review of 12 randomised controlled trials, that undergoing peanut oral immunotherapy results in an increased chance of allergic reactions when compared to just avoiding peanuts.

We understand that this paper only provides a part of the immunotherapy story, with many of the trials included focussing mainly on the up-dosing stage of immunotherapy where patients are given an increasing dose of peanut over a long period of time. This is when most reactions occur, but are rare during the maintenance phase where peanut dose plateaus.

We would like to also make it clear that, when undergoing immunotherapy, there is a trade-off between the treatment of related side effects of the immunotherapy at home in a controlled environment with emergency medication available over accidental exposure outside the home.

Peanut allergy affects 1 in 50 children, with its prevalence increasing. Peanut immunotherapy can provide protection against reaction to a peanut eaten without warning or control.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is pleased to promote chapter 3 of Leo’s Story’, a short peanut allergy awareness animated film.

by

Welcome to Leo’s Story Chapter 3 which brings the latest results from the pan-European APPEAL (Allergy to Peanuts impacting Emotions And Life) Study to life.  The Anaphylaxis Campaign is a member of Team APPEAL which is a large two-phase study that is investigating the psycho-social impact of peanut allergy on the person with the allergy and their family members.

Chapter 3 reveals the daily life and emotional impact this food allergy has on children, young adults and parents. Anxiety, frustration and stress are just some of the emotional impacts that people are feeling. We encourage you to view this story and share with your friends

In the UK it is estimated that around 5 – 8 % of children have a proven food allergy with up to 1 in 55 children having a peanut allergy.

#LeosStory: Watch. Share. Raise awareness.

Chapter 3: Watch the animation on YouTube here.

Chapter 2: Watch the animation on YouTube here.

Chapter 1: Watch the film on YouTube here.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign provides information and support to parents and carers of children at risk of severe allergies through our free helpline and support groups run by dedicated volunteers.

Our helpline team is on hand to answer your questions about allergies and reactions and put your mind at rest over the things concerning you. Contact 01252 542029 or email [email protected] between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday with your allergy problems or questions.