Lily King’s Parents Urge Allergy Awareness After Holiday Death

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BEACONSFIELD, Buckinghamshire, June 21, 2025

Holiday turned tragic: A family’s heartbreaking loss and a crucial warning for travelers with food allergies

Parents urge caution after daughter’s fatal allergic reaction abroad.

• Lily King, 18, died in Morocco from anaphylaxis after eating at a restaurant.
• Her parents are raising awareness about food allergy risks when eating out abroad.
• The family hopes to prevent similar tragedies by educating hospitality staff in other countries.

The parents of Lily King, an 18-year-old from Beaconsfield, buckinghamshire, are urging travelers with food allergies to exercise extreme caution when dining out, especially in foreign countries, after Lily’s tragic death in morocco.

Milton Keynes coroner Dr Sean cummings said Lily’s death was ‘avoidable’

Lily, who had allergies to nuts and sesame, died on June 23, 2024, from a cardio-respiratory arrest caused by anaphylaxis triggered by food. An inquest at Milton Keynes Coroner’s Court confirmed the cause of death.

michael,Lily’s father,emphasized the need for vigilance. “Most restaurants in the UK are very careful, but many other countries don’t have compulsory training programmes for staff around allergies,” he said.

A parent’s warning

“every time you eat out, especially abroad, it’s Russian roulette,” Michael added, highlighting the potential dangers for those with allergies traveling abroad.

“Someone needs to warn people who are going on holiday to other countries – not only Morocco – to be very, very wary of eating out. Especially if you don’t have the language,” he cautioned.

lily suffered from allergies to dairy, fish, seafood, nuts and sesame and her family usually avoided eating out

Lily’s story

lily had a history of severe allergies, particularly to seafood, nuts, and sesame. Her parents noted that her allergies seemed to worsen after she started studying economics at Exeter University and began eating out more frequently to socialize with friends.

Pro tip: When traveling abroad, learn key phrases in the local language to communicate your allergies. Carry a translated allergy card listing your specific allergens for restaurant staff.

“She wanted to be like her friends – a normal person. That led to her eating out more, but she was always very careful and carried her EpiPen and antihistamine pills.”

Prior to her trip to Morocco, Lily experienced her first anaphylactic shock at a festival and was treated by St John Ambulance. She traveled to Morocco with her mother to visit family and celebrate finishing her first year of university.

They chose a restaurant that Lily had enjoyed previously.

Lily was “a lovely girl, a good student, who cared about other people”, her parents said

Tragic meal

Lily’s mother, Aicha, who speaks fluent Arabic, communicated Lily’s allergies to the restaurant staff multiple times before ordering chicken and chips.

“The restaurant staff said we had to eat something,and I told them she had allergies and we would rather not eat,but they insisted it would be fine,” Aicha said. “I told them to be careful and they didn’t listen.”

when the meal arrived with other food and a sauce, Lily tasted a small piece, possibly carrot, and promptly felt an itchy tongue – a common precursor to her allergic reactions, according to her father, Michael.

“she literally took a tiny piece of food – we think it was carrot – and tasted it. She got an itchy tongue which she always had before a reaction,” Michael said.

She took an antihistamine and used her EpiPen,excusing herself to get fresh air. Her mother followed, administering a second EpiPen injection.

“She was being very, very strong, as she said, ‘Don’t stress mum, you know I love you. I love you. I’m very sorry, I’m going’, and than she passed out,” Aicha recounted.

The family reported that the ambulance was delayed, and the restaurant insisted on payment before they could leave for the hospital in a relative’s car.

“The next day, she came around temporarily but then had a seizure. Later they did a brain scan, but there was no activity,” said Michael. Her daughter died in hospital four days after her visit to the restaurant.

“We never believed it would come to this. We’re devastated,” Michael said. “She meant the world to us, she was our baby. We had 18 marvellous years with her.”

Aicha and Michael (third and fourth from left) were supported at the inquest by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who also died from an allergic reaction

Seeking justice and change

The family pursued legal action against the restaurant to raise awareness, hoping to prompt the Moroccan government to mandate allergy awareness training for hospitality staff.

“We only want the Moroccan government to realise how significant it is, and for their hospitality industry to recognise that restaurants should be told to educate their staff,” Michael explained. “I care about other families going through the same thing.”

Did you know? Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, whose daughter Natasha died in 2016 from an allergic reaction, offered their support. “lily’s family did everything they could to keep her safe,” they said. “Yet on this occasion even though Lily and her mother flagged her allergies, it still went dreadfully wrong. lily’s death highlights how dangerous food allergies can be and the potential risks of travelling abroad with food allergies.”

what are the rules in the UK?

What are the regulations for food allergen information in the UK? The Food Standards Agency requires food retailers and caterers to provide allergen information, handle food allergens effectively, and ensure staff receive allergy training.

specifically, they must:

• Provide allergen information to the consumer for both prepacked and non-prepacked food and drink
• Handle and manage food allergens effectively in food planning
• make sure that staff receive training on allergens

Navigating Foreign Restaurants with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide

The tragic case of Lily King underscores the critical importance of thorough planning and communication when managing food allergies, particularly when traveling. It’s not enough to rely on hope; proactive measures are essential for ensuring safety and peace of mind.

One essential step is to learn key phrases in the local language related to food allergies. This will greatly aid in communicating your dietary restrictions at restaurants. Also, carrying an allergy card translated into the local language is highly recommended; this card should clearly list all allergens to avoid.

Expert Tip: Always double-check ingredients, even in dishes you’ve had before at a particular restaurant. Cross-contamination can happen, and menu formulations can change.

Before you travel, research restaurants and their allergy policies.Look for places with clearly stated allergen facts on their menus or that are known for accommodating dietary needs. Online reviews can provide insights into how restaurants handle allergy requests.

When dining out, speak directly with the chef or a manager, if possible, about your allergies. This ensures they understand the severity of your condition and can take extra precautions. Clearly explain your allergies and ask about potential cross-contamination risks.

Benefits & Practical Tips for Allergy Sufferers Abroad

To minimize risks, consider these actionable, practical tips:

• Prepare in advance: Research restaurants and potential food exposures, including local festivals or markets.
• Translate an allergy card: Create a card listing your allergens in the local language, and carry it with you at all times.
• Communicate clearly: Speak with the chef or manager about your allergies when ordering.
• Double-check ingredients: Confirm that food does not contain any unexpected elements or cross-contamination risks.
• Carry emergency medication: keep your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and antihistamines accessible.
• Be prepared to self-cater: Consider packing safe snacks or preparing your own meals, especially if you have multiple or severe allergies.
• Know how to say key allergy-related phrases: “I am allergic to… (list of allergens)” and “Does this contain…(list of allergens)?”

Planning ahead and being prepared can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.Lily’s story also highlights the risks of assuming that restaurants will understand the gravity of food allergies; carefulness is always necessary.

Lily’s Legacy: A Call for Action

lily’s parents are now seeking justice and change. Their legal action against the restaurant hopes to mandate allergy awareness training for hospitality staff in Morocco. Their goal is to prevent similar tragedies by pushing for higher safety standards globally to protect others from the dangers of food allergies.

Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse,whose daughter Natasha died from an allergic reaction in 2016,offered their support. Their experiences illustrate that even with awareness and precautions, tragic outcomes are possible, driving home the very real dangers of food allergies.

Lily’s death underscores the critical importance of thorough planning and communication when traveling. It also highlights the need for increased allergy awareness and training for hospitality staff around the world.

FAQs About Food Allergies and International Travel

Here are some common questions about managing food allergies while traveling:

How can I prepare for potential allergic reactions while traveling abroad?

Carry your epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), prescribed antihistamines, and a copy of your allergy action plan. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and the location of the nearest hospitals. Consider a medical alert bracelet or necklace with your allergy information.

What should I do if I suspect an allergic reaction while dining out?

Immediately administer your epinephrine auto-injector if you experience severe symptoms. Then,alert restaurant staff,seek medical attention as quickly as possible,and inform the medical staff about the allergens that you suspect triggered the reaction.

Can I trust restaurants to understand my allergies, even if I speak the local language?

Do not assume that all restaurants understand the severity of food allergies. While language proficiency is helpful, it is indeed not enough. Always double-check ingredients, question preparation methods, and be clear about the potential for cross-contamination, nonetheless of your language abilities.

Are there any specific countries that are safer for people with food allergies?

No country is entirely risk-free, but developed countries generally have greater awareness. Always research the local standards and regulations regarding allergy information, and be prepared to take extra precautions, regardless of the destination.