20-Year-Old Woman Dies After Eating ‘Vegan' Tiramisu; Know What Happened

A young woman with a severe dairy allergy, Anna Bellisario, tragically lost her life after consuming a dessert she believed to be vegan but was made with milk. The 20 year old and her boyfriend visited a vegan burger chain, Flower Burger, in Milan, Italy, where he took extra precautions due to her severe dairy allergy. Not only did she check the label, but she also asked for additional information. Due to the negative effects of her allergy, it was crucial to ensure the absence of any traces of dairy products. After assuring the staff, she proceeded to eat the dessert. As per Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera’s reports, after consuming a couple of spoons, she experienced coughing, difficulty breathing and was rushed to the bathroom to vomit.

Despite using her asthma medication and cortisone, she went into anaphylactic shock. Anna was later shifted to a hospital. She slipped into a coma for ten days before tragically passing away at San Raffaele hospital. Reportedly, Anna had battled with the allergy since birth and was a regular customer of the same restaurant. According to The Mirror, the dessert was withdrawn from the market and 63 other restaurants by the Italian Ministry of Health as it contained milk content. Further investigation revealed that traces of egg were also found in the mayonnaise of the sandwich that Bellisario had ordered.

The mother and daughter who run a pastry shop called Tiramisu, was responsible for supplying the pudding to the Flower Burger and they are currently facing investigation for manslaughter. Authorities allege that a mix up between two products might have happened. Prosecutors Tiziana Siciliano and Luca Gaglio presented evidence, including a wiretap reconstruction to Judge Fiammetta Modica, who later ordered a ban on the shop owners. The judge described the case as a “worrying picture of unscrupulousness.”

Investigators have eliminated the possibility of contamination in the pudding, as its packaging was securely sealed. However, the investigation continues, with an autopsy expected to provide details whether it was the traces of milk, egg or a combination of both that led to Anna Bellisario’s tragic death.

A dairy allergy is a condition where the body reacts harmfully after the consumption of dairy products. In such cases, the body identifies these foods as harmful and starts fighting against them. Individuals with a dairy allergy may show various symptoms after including nausea, coughing, itching around the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and more. Proper awareness of ingredients in food and clear communication with food chains are crucial for individuals with dairy allergies to avoid health risks.