Living with a severe dairy allergy isn’t just inconvenient — it can be life-threatening. This was tragically shown in the case of 13-year-old Karanbir Cheema, who died after a classmate threw a piece of cheese at him at school in London on June 28, 2017.
Karanbir had a severe dairy allergy. When the cheese landed on his skin, it triggered a rapid anaphylactic reaction. His EpiPen was administered, but it had expired, reducing its effectiveness. He was rushed to the hospital but passed away days later after suffering cardiac arrest.
What seemed like a thoughtless prank ended in heartbreak, showing how misunderstood food allergies still are. Many confuse dairy allergies with lactose intolerance, but the former involves the immune system and can be fatal. Reactions can result from ingestion or even skin contact.
Anaphylaxis — a severe, fast-moving allergic reaction — affects multiple organs and requires immediate treatment. Karanbir’s death was preventable. Key failures, including an expired EpiPen and a lack of school allergy protocols, contributed to the tragedy.
This case underscores the need for greater awareness, especially in schools. Staff must be trained, emergency medication should be up to date, and allergy protocols must be enforced.
Living with a serious allergy requires constant vigilance, not just from the individual but also from those around them. Taking food allergies seriously can save lives.
Karanbir’s story is a painful reminder that compassion, awareness, and preparedness are essential in preventing such tragedies in the future. His legacy calls us to do better.