Food safety team honoured for allergy awareness

Megan Lee died two days after she was admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital in 2016

A team's "tireless commitment" to making food businesses aware of the risks associated with allergens has been recognised with a national award.

The Megan Lee Award recognised Lancashire County Council Trading Standards food team at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.

Megan Lee, 15, suffered irreversible brain damage after being served a takeaway in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, with undisclosed allergens in 2016.

Megan's parents, Gemma and Adam Lee, have worked with the county council to make businesses aware of the responsibilities associated with allergens.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) created the award in 2023 to recognise individuals or groups that have done something "outstanding to protect the public from serious food safety breaches".

The team were recognised in a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament

The Lancashire team's focus began in 2016 when their sampling programme uncovered serious issues with undeclared allergens.

Since then, they have developed training packages highlighting the dangers of anaphylaxis and held presentations with schools and businesses.

They have also conducted over 300 allergen sampling tests, leading to seven prosecutions and two cautions.

CTSI chief executive, John Herriman, said they have "shown extraordinary dedication and innovation in tackling the vital issue of food allergens".

"Their work has saved lives, raised awareness, and created lasting change in how allergens are managed," he said, adding the award is "a fitting tribute to their achievements".

County councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, at Lancashire County Council, said: "Receiving the Megan Lee Award is a great honour, and further reinforces our position as an authority that is leading the way in this area.

"This recognition celebrates the team's tireless commitment to protecting vulnerable consumers."