Owen's Law: Push for Mandatory Allergen Labels

0:00On April 22nd, in April 2017, 18-year-old Owen Carey collapsed and died from a severe dairy allergy after eating grilled chickenette, a Byron Burgers in London 02 arena. He was celebrating his birthday, told staff about his allergies, and got assurances the dish was safe, but the chicken was marinated in buttermilk, without warning. His family has pushed hard for years to force restaurants to label the 14 main allergens right on menus with symbols or words. Just 10 years later, successive governments have not made the change, leaving diners with allergies at risk every time they eat out. Owen's dad, Paul Carey, says they can never bring his son back, but clearer labels could stop this from happening to others. He points out how reassurances from weight staff aren't enough when hidden ingredients like that marinade caused tragedy. The food standards agency backed the campaign in December 2023 and issued guidance last March urging restaurants to list allergens in.

1:00Now, the family has a key meeting set for April 27th with the Food Security Minister to push defraud to turn it into law with support from Anna-Falax's UK. Byron updated its menu after the incident, and as the 10-year mark hits April 22nd, 2027, the Carey's hope this finally becomes mandatory, making meals safer for everyone rolling the dice on allergies.