London Girl, 12, Dies From Allergic Reaction to Milkshake

A 12-year-old girl died in London in August 2023 after consuming a milkshake contaminated with hazelnut residue, an investigation concluded. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of food allergies, a concern shared by families in West Palm Beach.

Mia Shay St. Hilaire visited the Pop Inn Cafe in London with her aunt and sister. She drank part of a Twix milkshake prepared in a blender that had not been cleaned after making a Kinder Bueno milkshake. Mia had a known hazelnut allergy.

The contamination triggered a rapid anaphylactic reaction. Mia collapsed at her aunt's home and later died at a hospital. An investigation into her death took place at Inner South London Coroner's Court on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The cafe's owner, Baris Yucel, pleaded guilty to six charges brought by Southwark Council. These included failing to provide allergen information to customers, not preventing allergen cross-contamination during food preparation, and serving food with an undeclared allergen.