The parents of a Leeds university student who died after eating a takeaway pizza appeared in an emotional episode of ITVs Good Morning Britain on Monday.
James Atkinson, 23, had a known peanut allergy and may have suffered anaphylaxis having eaten only one slice of a pizza he ordered from Deliveroo. His parents called for the "full truth" and pushed for the inquest into their son's death, who they say was always "so careful" with his allergy.
James, who died on July 10, 2020, had ordered food from the same premises before. However, he was not aware that the restaurant had begun using peanut powder as one of the ingredients when making a chicken tikka masala pizza.
His parents, Jill Atkinson and Stuart appeared on this morning's episode of GMB in emotional tribute to make more people aware of what happened to their son - who was 'on top' of making sure everyone knew about his allergy.
James' mum Jill, who suffers from the same peanut allergy explains "You have to check everything you eat." She says it can be a difference between "life or death."
"People think it's a personal choice. For some people the sensitivity is so great."
James' parents are calling for a 'clear and transparent' list of ingredients as Susanna Reid highlights the importance to state the specific ingredients on pre-prepared food.
Fans on the show took to Twitter to show their support to the grieving parents.
@EnglandFoster said: "Dadyal pizza in Newcastle - still operating! They should be boycotted en masse."
@Judyinrichmond added: "Not sure if I would trust my life in a takeaway app. You have to know the delivery driver hasn’t touched peanuts and you can’t talk to the people making the pizza to ask if it contains nuts."
@CKablooie Tweeted: "My friends daughter has a similar allergy and cooks all her own food so she knows what goes in it. This has kept her alive and made her a brilliant cook."
@ixworth1 said: "Very sad to outlive your own child is not in the natural order. These places do need to step up for sure."
@Speedqueenie added: "Such a lovely couple. From Garforth in Leeds. Can't begin to imagine how they're coping."
