"There was no specific allergen information on the baguette packaging or on the (food display cabinet) and Natasha was reassured by that,"
without actually blaming Pret for her death.
The law states that allergen advice needs to be on a product, where practicable, and on cabinets and cupboards, and that is also the right thing to do, but it is recognised that there are flaws in the law.
Unfortunately allergens come in many forms, from dust mites to chemicals to food. Many of us have had mild attacks without recognising them are allergic in nature and we often cannot deduce what cause them.
When it comes to food the government's take is that:
"It is now vital that food retailers and manufacturers take action to ensure information about the 14 allergens is carried on all packaging."
On every food item sold everywhere? That is not going to happen as it is just not practicable. What is practicable is for shops to display big signs in prominent places so that they cannot be missed or misinterpreted - on shelves, doors, tills and hanging from the ceiling. And they should not be limited to food and drinks. There are plenty of other products such as household/laundry, personal hygiene etc. that contain allergens.
What could be done very quickly and cheaply is to make it law that any place selling products that need the signs to have auto-injectors in their first aid lockers. They should already be in workplace first aid kits, it now needs for them to be mandatory on coaches, trains and planes.
