Ruben Bousquet: Boy died after allergic response to Odeon popcorn

A 14-year-old boy died after struggling an allergic response to popcorn he ate at a cinema, a coroner has dominated.

Ruben Bousquet was along with his mother and father on the Odeon in Greenwich, south east London, on 18 April 2019, when he turned unwell.

He was "exquisitely delicate to meals allergy symptoms" together with cow's milk, uncooked egg and soya, the inquest heard.

Coroner Andrew Harris mentioned the popcorn had been cross-contaminated with milk, triggering Reuben's allergic response.

The household rushed house to get Ruben's EpiPen, which he had left behind, however they have been too late, the inquest heard.

Southwark Coroner's Courtroom was informed Ruben had frequently visited the identical IMAX cinema and had eaten the identical model of candy popcorn earlier than.Mr Harris mentioned the cinema's meals provider Thomas Tucker Ltd had failed to hold out danger assessments when altering manufacturing facility places.

In September 2019, the corporate went into administration after the Meals Requirements Company launched an allergy alert when it was revealed the agency's popcorn merchandise could have contained undeclared milk.

Odeon "terminated" its contract with Thomas Tucker Ltd in the identical month, the court docket heard.

In his ruling, Mr Harris mentioned he couldn't make sure whether or not the cross-contamination occurred within the manufacturing course of or on the kiosk the place it was purchased."He ate some candy unpackaged popcorn in Greenwich and felt unwell," Mr Harris mentioned."He turned distressed about three minutes from house and collapsed. Ambulance crews arrived and gave superior resuscitation."Ruben was taken to Evelina Kids's Hospital and located to "have inconceivable mind injury".Mr Harris gave Ruben's explanation for dying as "an acute anaphylaxis from cross contamination of popcorn".He added: "The popcorn was equipped in a free-from milk chain however had turn into cross contaminated. "Ruben was underneath the impression it was freed from allergens and had he requested employees then that's what they might have believed too."