Leon advises allergic customers NOT to eat because "can not guarantee that the dishes are allergen-free"

The Leon fast food chain has warned customers with severe allergies not to eat because it can not guarantee that their food is completely free of allergens.

Co-founder and CEO, John Vincent, wrote on the company's website that, although restaurants' labels are "free" of food, the fact that they deal with allergens means that "food" is not a problem. he could not completely rule out an incident similar to the death of a teenage girl at Ready to Eat.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, had a fatal allergic reaction to sesame seeds when returning Pret bread to Heathrow Airport in 2017.

Leon was criticized for his "contradictory messages" after labeling "no-food" but warned that he could not guarantee the safety of customers.

And on December 30, 2016, Megan Lee, a nut allergy sufferer, died after eating Royal Spice Takeaway food in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire on December 30, 2016.

Following an investigation into the death of Natasha, State Secretary for the Environment, Michael Gove, had promised to put a stop to food labeling, but the Natasha's parents worry that such widespread warnings from food chains will be confusing.

Leon's decision to warn people with allergies has caused outrage among customers, who say the chain should do more to ensure the safety of its customers.

An account called Allergy Dad wrote: "They may as well say that they can not guarantee that no food poisoning will occur." All customers should therefore consider eating well in their establishment #EpicFail #natashaslaw .

Jude Wakefield wrote: "It's so lazy to react as they did: it's as simple as food hygiene and frankly, if they can not handle allergies, they recognize that their cooking is is not hygienic. "

Another person wrote, "Personally, I have several life-threatening food allergies and I believe that serving restaurants to people with life-threatening food allergies is a heavy responsibility for restaurants.

A bill that will require food chains to carry appropriate warnings about allergens could be introduced in the coming weeks. She was nicknamed "Natasha's Law" in memory of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, left, who died in July 2016 after eating a Pret a Manger sandwich topped with sesame seeds. On the right, the parents of Natasha, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse

Environment Secretary Michael Gove (photo) promised to end food labeling, but Natasha's parents worry that such widespread warnings from food chains will be confusing

& # 39; I understand where they come from. It's bad, but it's the reality.

In a blog post about Leon, Mr. Vincent insisted that customers would not be sent back to the restaurant if they were suffering from allergies, but wanted to educate them about the risks.

He said restaurants treat all allergens, but precautions have been taken against cross-contamination, such as storing milk-based and cashew-milk porridge on different shelves and serving them with colorful pouches.

Mr. Vincent wrote, "Despite the importance we place on processes, training and controls, there is no guarantee that the dishes are free of allergens. This is not because we adopt a lax approach towards allergens. This is because we can not guarantee – 100% – that mistakes will not be made.

Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent Opening of the new restaurant branch & # 39; Leon & # 39; on the Spitalfields market

The full statement of Leon's co-founder, John, on their website

"The idea that LEON can harm one of our guests is awful. And so we ask those of you who have severe allergies to carefully consider whether you choose to dine with us.

"We understand how frustrating it must be for you, but nothing is more important than your safety. That's why we will continue shamelessly to inform as many people as possible in every possible way. "

Alexa Baracaia, whose eight-year-old son Sidney is allergic to eggs, peanuts, nuts, sesame and lentils, said the chains "were scared" after being sidelined from a branch of Strand.

She wrote on Twitter: "@leonrestaurants on The Strand * just told me not to eat there if our son's allergies put his life in danger. He says it's a "new policy". What do you say about this @JohnV_LEON @HenryDimbleby? We have already had great service – now you decide that you can not support ??? # Allergy & # 39;

She told the Times: "No patient with allergies expects to be supported by all providers. We do not ask for a 100% guarantee either. If on one side they say "we can do that" but on the other "we can not guarantee that" it cancels all the good things that they do. & # 39;

Leon said it was not their policy to dismiss allergy sufferers in a response to Ms. Baracaia.