A lawsuit has been initiated by a mourning husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, following the death of his wife, Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan. This case has drawn attention far beyond the confines of Disney World.
Filed in the Orange County Circuit Court in Florida, the lawsuit raises significant concerns about food safety and allergy awareness within the hospitality industry.
Dr. Tangsuan, a 42-year-old esteemed physician from New York University Langone Hospital, sadly died in October 2023. She had eaten at Raglan Road, a well-known restaurant in Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida.
Despite her severe allergies to dairy and nuts, and after receiving multiple assurances from the restaurant staff that her meal would be safe, Dr. Tangsuan suffered a severe allergic reaction 45 minutes after eating at the restaurant, while shopping in Disney Springs.
After administering an EpiPen, she struggled to breathe and collapsed. She was quickly transported to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed her cause of death as anaphylaxis, with “very high” levels of nut and dairy allergens in her system, far exceeding safe levels for someone with her allergies. Her death was consequently classified as accidental.
The lawsuit contends that both Disney and Raglan Road fell short of their food safety obligations, directly contributing to Dr. Tangsuan’s premature death. Piccolo is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, with his main objective being systemic change within the industry’s approach to food allergy safety, rather than just compensation.
“This is about more than seeking justice for a family torn apart by a preventable tragedy. It’s about ensuring such negligence does not claim more lives in the future,” said Brian Denney, Piccolo’s attorney.
The case underscores a crucial issue in the hospitality sector: the urgent need for rigorous food safety protocols and extensive allergy awareness training for staff. Experts concur that while many establishments claim to provide allergen-free options, the actual implementation often falls short. The tragedy of Dr. Tangsuan’s death serves as a harsh reminder of the potential consequences of such gaps.
The case is being closely monitored by food allergy advocates and legal experts, viewing it as a potential catalyst for change. The hope is that this lawsuit will spur restaurants and food service providers to adopt stricter standards for food safety and allergy awareness, thereby helping prevent future tragedies.
With an increasing number of people suffering from food allergies, the demand for safe dining options is at an all-time high, placing the hospitality industry at a critical juncture. Restaurants and food service providers are being challenged to enhance their training and protocols to safeguard guests with food allergies. This includes improved communication with guests, comprehensive staff training on allergen management, and strict adherence to food safety protocols.
As the legal battle progresses, the Piccolo family continues their fight for justice and systemic change.
