A coroner has issued a stark warning to the UK's hospitality industry following the tragic death of a pensioner who choked on a meal at a restaurant. The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols for vulnerable diners.
A Preventable Tragedy
Margaret Trowbridge, 76, who lived with Parkinson's disease, was enjoying a meal with her daughter at the Figaro restaurant in Minehead, Somerset, in August 2023. Mrs Trowbridge, who required her food to be softened due to her condition, ordered gammon. Tragically, she began choking on a piece of the meat and died five days later in hospital.
Coroner's Urgent Concerns
In a Prevention of Future Deaths report addressed to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Senior Coroner Samantha Marsh highlighted a "systemic nationwide issue". She expressed concern that there is no mandatory requirement for restaurants to have specific protocols for preparing food for vulnerable customers with swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia.
"The absence of any mandatory requirement for restaurants to have in place a specific policy in respect of the preparation of food for vulnerable customers is a matter of concern," the coroner wrote.
Industry-Wide Implications
The warning extends far beyond a single establishment. The coroner's report suggests that many restaurants across the country may be unaware of the risks associated with serving standard meals to customers with specific health needs. This case underscores the need for:
- Clearer guidelines for preparing modified-texture foods
- Staff training on identifying and assisting vulnerable customers
- Standardised processes for handling special dietary requirements
Restaurant's Response
While the Figaro restaurant co-operated fully with the investigation and expressed deep regret over the incident, the coroner's warning is directed at the entire sector. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the duty of care that food businesses owe to all their customers, especially those with hidden disabilities.
This tragic event may prompt a nationwide review of restaurant safety practices, potentially leading to new industry standards that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
