Mandatory reporting of anaphylactic cases after tragic death of young boy

The Andrews Government will introduce legislation today to make it mandatory for hospitals to report cases of anaphylaxis.

It comes after a food labelling error led to the death of a 10-year-old boy.

Ronak Warty died in 2013 after consuming a coconut drink bought from an Asian supermarket in Burwood East that contained undeclared dairy milk.

The product was left on the shelves for six weeks after his death, after the hospital failed to alert the health department.

Chief Executive of Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia Maria Said has welcomed the move from the government.

“There’s been a huge increase in prevalence, more people are going to be having reactions,” she said.

“It is so difficult to avoid the foods that you are allergic to.

“When we ask questions, when we disclose our allergy, we’re not being fussy or difficult – small amounts can trigger potentially life-threatening reactions.

“We need food allergies to be taken seriously.”

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