James Atkinson: Family of Leeds man who died after allergic reaction ask to meet takeaway bosses

The family of a Leeds man who died from a severe allergic reaction after he ate a slice of pizza which contained nuts have asked to meet the bosses of the UK’s three main takeaway apps to discuss consumer safety and potentially save lives.
By Tom Wilkinson, PA
Published 16th Jan 2024, 11:30 GMT
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James Atkinson, 23, used Deliveroo to order a chicken tikka masala pizza and other dishes to share with friends, but he did not know it contained peanuts to which he was allergic.

Within an hour of the food being delivered in July 2020, from the Dadyal restaurant in Newcastle, the university graduate had died in hospital from anaphylaxis.

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Following an inquest in Newcastle, his parents, Stuart and Jill Atkinson, from Leeds, read out a statement paying tribute to their computer programmer son who they said was a “fantastic boy and lit up any room”.

Stuart and Jill Atkinson, the parents of James Atkinson who died from a severe allergic reaction after eating less than a slice of a Deliveroo pizza, have asked to meet takeaway bosses. Photo: Tom Wilkinson/PA Wire.Stuart and Jill Atkinson, the parents of James Atkinson who died from a severe allergic reaction after eating less than a slice of a Deliveroo pizza, have asked to meet takeaway bosses. Photo: Tom Wilkinson/PA Wire.
Stuart and Jill Atkinson, the parents of James Atkinson who died from a severe allergic reaction after eating less than a slice of a Deliveroo pizza, have asked to meet takeaway bosses. Photo: Tom Wilkinson/PA Wire.

The inquest heard how the Dadyal, in Newcastle’s Howard Street, did not say on its menu that a mixed nut powder containing as much as 99% peanut was used in their curries.

The Deliveroo app asked customers to contact the restaurant directly if they had any allergies, but Mr Atkinson, who was said to be careful about the food he ate, did not call the Dadyal.

Flatmates from his shared house said he used Google to check if chicken tikka masala contained peanuts.

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After the hearing, his parents said: “We were horrified to hear evidence about exactly what went on in that kitchen and seriously question whether anyone with an allergy could ever have safely ordered food from there.

“James’ case has shone a light on much bigger issues that need urgent attention.