Masters student died after suffering allergic reaction to pub lunch in Ferndown
Georgina Mansergh had gone to the Angel Inn with her family in February
Last updated 8th Dec 2023
A 24-year-old masters student died after suffering an allergic reaction to a mushroom risotto she ate during a family outing for a pub lunch, an inquest has heard.
Georgina Mansergh had gone to the Angel Inn in Ferndown on February 11 when she suffered the reaction to the sesame seed oil used in the tahini sauce included in the dish.
Her father, Nigel Mansergh, said told the Bournemouth hearing that his daughter was diagnosed with an allergy to nuts when she was was two years old but they later realised she also reacted to seeds as well.
He said Ms Mansergh, who also suffered from eczema and asthma, had previously suffered only mild reactions such as tingly lips or vomiting, and would be "embarrassed" if they raised her allergies when eating at restaurants.
Mr Mansergh added that his daughter would avoid dishes which contained seeds or nuts but would eat those marked as "may contain nuts".
He described how Ms Mansergh began to suffer a reaction at the pub and had gone to vomit in the toilets after starting the dish which prompted his wife to go to their home in the Dorset town to pick up an antihistamine.
By the time she returned, their daughter's condition had worsened and an ambulance was called.
Mr Mansergh said: "She collapsed on me, that was when she passed out."
He said: "Family and members of staff were carrying out CPR until paramedics arrived. Despite their best efforts, Georgie was declared dead at the scene."
He added: "We can't begin to describe how devastated we and our sons are at the loss of our beautiful girl and it is difficult to comprehend that she has gone."
Mr Mansergh said her reaction to the dish was "not like anything she had experienced before" and added that she was aware of what foods she should avoid "which makes this even more tragic".
He added that she had not been advised to carry an epipen because her symptoms had always previously been "mild to moderate".
Mr Mansergh said that his daughter was used to checking menus for allergens and added that the family did not "hold the restaurant to blame at all".
But he suggested better signage about allergens and more prompts about allergens when reserving places and ordering food could prevent future incidents.
Describing his daughter, he said: "She had a boyfriend, had lots of friends. She was a vegan and cared greatly about the environment and animal welfare. She was very keen on health and fitness."
James Wyer, who was general manager at the Angel Inn at the time, said the family had ordered their food in advance by email and had not given any notification of any allergies or food intolerances.
He said that staff would ask about allergies when taking reservations and orders and any meals would then be prepared separately for affected customers.
The hearing was told Dorset Council Trading Standards did not take any action against the pub as it complied with all requirements.
Coroner Richard Middleton said the cause of death was acute anaphylaxis due to sesame seed allergy and recorded a verdict of accidental death.