A distraught husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, has initiated a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, following the death of his wife, Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan. The lawsuit has sparked nationwide interest.

The lawsuit, filed in the Orange County Circuit Court, Florida, poses significant questions about the industry’s approach to food safety and allergy management.

Dr. Tangsuan, a 42-year-old physician at New York University Langone Hospital, died in October 2023 after eating at Raglan Road, a popular restaurant in Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida.

Despite her severe nut and dairy allergies, and reassurances from the restaurant staff that her meal would be safe, Dr. Tangsuan experienced a severe allergic reaction 45 minutes after eating. Although she used an EpiPen, she collapsed with breathing difficulties and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

An autopsy showed the cause of death as anaphylaxis, with “very high” levels of nut and dairy allergens in her system, significantly above safe levels for someone with her allergies. Her death was ruled as accidental.

The lawsuit alleges that Disney and Raglan Road did not meet their food safety obligations, contributing directly to Dr. Tangsuan’s death. Piccolo seeks damages in excess of $50,000, with the aim of not just securing compensation, but also instigating industry-wide change in food allergy safety practices.

“This is not only about seeking justice for a family torn apart by a preventable tragedy but also about ensuring that such negligence does not claim more lives in the future,” said Brian Denney, Piccolo’s attorney, underscoring the wider implications of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit underscores the need for more robust food safety protocols and comprehensive allergy awareness training for hospitality staff. While many establishments claim to cater to allergies, the reality is often different, as Dr. Tangsuan’s death tragically demonstrates.

The case is being closely watched by food allergy advocates and legal professionals, who see it as a potential driver for change. The hope is that it will encourage restaurants and food service providers to adopt stricter food safety and allergy awareness standards.

With the growing prevalence of food allergies, there is increasing demand for safe dining options. Restaurants and food service providers are being urged to improve training, implement strict allergen management protocols, and adhere to food safety practices to protect their customers.