One bite of butter chicken kills 27-year-old man in UK

A 27-year-old man from England died after having just one mouthful of butter chicken curry from a takeaway. The man collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest after eating just one mouthful at home during the meal.

The chicken curry had nuts, which triggered an allergic reaction.

Joseph Higginson, from Bury, Greater Manchester, England, had a known allergy to nuts and almonds, called anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Higginson, a mechanic, had tucked into the butter chicken curry which “clearly indicated” that it contained almonds with the correct allergy information as he had previously eaten nut-based dishes and tolerated them, according to the digital news portal the Mirror.

Despite having previously consumed nut-based dishes without problems, Higginson suffered a fatal reaction after just one mouthful of butter chicken curry containing almonds.

Higginson succumbed to anaphylaxis.

Police investigated after his death, but found no fault on the part of the takeaway.

According to his family, Higginson was aware of his allergies and had diligently checked the dish for any allergens.

His sister, Emily Higginson, emphasised the importance of taking allergies seriously, stating, “People with allergies should always take the situation seriously. It is not something that can be taken for granted – the severity can change throughout a person’s lifetime.”

EMERGENCY ALLERGY RESPONSE AND LOSS

Higginson had been diagnosed with allergies just months before his death and was equipped with an EpiPen, a device used to counter allergic reactions.

Despite immediate medical intervention, including the administration of adrenaline, Higginson’s condition deteriorated rapidly.

He collapsed at home during a family meal on December 28, 2022, and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he passed away on January 4 the following year at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The coroner’s court recorded a verdict of misadventure, highlighting the sudden and unforeseen nature of Joseph’s death.

Pathologist Dr Philip Lumb confirmed that Joseph had suffered an “immediate allergic reaction” upon consuming the curry, with almonds identified as the likely trigger.

While authorities investigated the incident, no fault was found on the part of the takeaway and no ‘adulterants’ were found in the food.

The menu had clearly stated the presence of almonds in the dish, indicating that Joseph was aware of the allergen.

Joseph’s family, devastated by his untimely death, honoured his wishes by donating his organs, saving the lives of others in need.

Emily expressed gratitude to those involved in Joseph’s care and emphasised his generous spirit, noting, “He has donated his heart as per his wishes and a kidney. We know they are alive and well and that the transplants were successful.”