A 27-year-old man from England tragically passed away after consuming only one mouthful of butter chicken curry purchased from a takeaway. The man experienced a sudden collapse and suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after ingesting a single bite during his meal at home.
The butter chicken curry contained nuts, which triggered a severe allergic reaction in the individual.
Identified as Joseph Higginson, from Bury, Greater Manchester, England, the victim had a known allergy to nuts and almonds, a condition known as anaphylaxis, which can lead to life-threatening reactions. Higginson, who worked as a mechanic, consumed the butter chicken curry despite it being clearly labeled with allergy information indicating the presence of almonds. He had previously consumed nut-based dishes without any adverse reactions.
Despite his previous tolerance to nut-based dishes, Higginson suffered a fatal allergic reaction after consuming just one mouthful of the butter chicken curry containing almonds, leading to anaphylactic shock.
Following his untimely demise, authorities investigated the incident but found no fault on the part of the takeaway establishment.
Higginson’s family revealed that he was vigilant about checking for allergens in his food, despite his familiarity with his allergies. His sister, Emily Higginson, stressed the importance of treating allergies seriously, emphasizing that their severity can vary over time and should never be underestimated.
Allergy Alertness:
Higginson had been diagnosed with allergies only a few months prior to his passing and was provided with an EpiPen, a device designed to combat allergic reactions.
Despite prompt medical attention, including the administration of adrenaline, Higginson’s health declined rapidly.
He collapsed at home during a family meal on December 28, 2022, and despite attempts to revive him, he succumbed on January 4 the following year at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
The coroner’s court concluded that his death was a result of misadventure, underscoring the unexpected and unforeseen circumstances surrounding Joseph’s passing.
