ORLANDO, Fla. — A New York University doctor died shortly after dining at one of Disney’s restaurants in Florida, resulting in a lawsuit filed by her husband. Kanokporn Tangsuan, a doctor at NYU Langone hospital, passed away after having dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs on Oct. 5. Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, has filed a 19-page lawsuit in Orange County circuit court, accusing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts of negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Tangsuan had informed the waitstaff at the pub about her nut and dairy allergies, and they assured her that they could accommodate her dietary restrictions. Tangsuan ordered broccoli and corn fritters, scallops, and onion rings. After the meal, she left the restaurant, but soon began to feel sick while exploring the shopping complex. She entered Planet Hollywood where she experienced severe difficulty breathing and collapsed. Despite the immediate administration of an epi-pen, she later died at a local hospital.
The medical examiner’s investigation revealed that Tangsuan died due to anaphylaxis caused by elevated levels of dairy and nuts in her system. The lawsuit claims that Disney failed to properly educate, train, and instruct its employees on how to ensure that food indicated as allergen-free was indeed free of allergens. Disney advertises itself as making the accommodation of persons with food allergies a top priority at its parks and resorts.
Jeffrey Piccolo is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, alleging negligence on Disney’s part. The lawsuit highlights the importance of proper training and education regarding food allergies in the food service industry. Disney has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Food allergies can have severe and even life-threatening consequences. This tragic incident brings attention to the need for restaurants and food establishments to take food allergies seriously and implement strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of their patrons. It is essential for staff to be properly trained in handling food allergies and for establishments to have clear processes in place to accommodate customers with dietary restrictions.
While Disney claims to prioritize the needs of individuals with food allergies, this lawsuit raises questions about their actual practices and procedures. This case serves as a reminder for restaurant owners and managers to ensure that their staff members are adequately trained to handle food allergies and that proper precautions are taken to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the food service industry as a whole, as it may prompt establishments to reevaluate and strengthen their protocols for catering to customers with dietary restrictions and food allergies. The importance of proper training, clear communication, and strict adherence to allergy-safe practices cannot be overstated in ensuring the well-being of all patrons.