'Vegan ice cream mistake could have killed our son'

A mother and father believe their five-year-old "could have died" after a restaurant unknowingly served him dairy ice cream that was supposed to be vegan.

Warwickshire parents Dean and Nicola said their son Monty, who has a severe dairy allergy, suffered an immediate reaction after eating the dessert at Stratford Garden Centre.

The youngster recovered through medication and did not need hospital treatment, but the pair want others to know how dangerous allergies can be.

The garden centre said it was "deeply sorry" and the incident was the result of a single incorrect supplies order. The BBC understands Warwickshire County Council is investigating.

Dean, who works as a wealth management partner in Solihull, explained that while Monty is aware of his condition, he still enjoys vegan milkshake and ice cream as a treat like other children.

The family went to the garden centre's Lime Tree Restaurant on 26 July.

The father claimed that after his son's first mouthful of the supposedly vegan ice cream, he had a swollen tongue with a blotchy face and complained of his tummy and lips hurting.

Stratford Garden Centre said it was "deeply sorry" for what happened to Monty

"When it happens to him it's an awful feeling," Dean said. "No five-year-old should ever be frightened about having an ice cream.

"He could have died. It's as simple as that."

The parents chose to speak out because they want other retailers to take allergies seriously.

They also want the garden centre to know the incident could have been deadly, adding bosses could have been facing a "corporate manslaughter case".

Nicola, who is a former staff nurse, said: "I couldn't believe it. We asked and made sure it was vegan and were told it was.

"You feel guilty because you've given it to your little son and then he reacts."

Hooray's is helping Stratford Gardening Centre with its ordering processes

The ice cream was manufactured by local company Hooray's.

While there is no wrongdoing on its part, bosses told the BBC they were "deeply saddened" to hear what happened to Monty.

"We are committed to supporting Stratford Garden Centre in strengthening their ordering systems, allergen procedures and training," the firm said in a statement.

"Customer safety is our highest priority, and we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of allergen control across all our stockists."

Monty is now feeling much better

A spokesperson for the garden centre said it was taking the matter very seriously.

"We are deeply sorry for the family's experience at our restaurant and the distress it caused," they said.

"We can confirm no other products have been affected and having met with the council's trading standards officers and our suppliers, we have implemented their recommendations to tighten our internal checks and procedures."

Warwickshire County Council said it was still investigating and was unable to comment further.

Trading standards officers from Warwickshire County Councils are investigating the incident

Food allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease affect about two million people in the UK.

Businesses must ensure staff undergo mandatory allergy training if they are involved in the handling, preparing or selling of food.

A law named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse came into force in October 2021 and means companies have to include full ingredients labelling on food pre-packed for direct sale.

But new guidance saying restaurants should provide customers with "readily available" allergen information is not a legal obligation.

There have recently been calls for allergy advice to be put on menus, while others want greater awareness in schools.