Harry Kitto dies from peanut allergy after eating churros in Argentina

Harry Kitto dies from peanut allergy after eating churros in Argentina

Harry Kitto, a 24-year-old British tourist, has died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction caused by peanut protein in a serving of churros. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025, while Kitto was traveling through South America. Despite his careful management of a known lifelong peanut allergy and receiving verbal assurances from caf staff that the food was safe for consumption, the snack triggered a fatal medical emergency that led to his hospitalization and subsequent death. An inquest into the circumstances of his death revealed that the churros Kitto consumed contained approximately 20mg of peanut protein per kilogram. This level of contamination proved sufficient to induce a massive allergic response. The inquiry noted that Kitto was an experienced traveler who had successfully navigated his allergy while eating similar foods in Mexico and Peru earlier in his trip. The sudden presence of allergens in a food item he previously considered safe underscores the unpredictable nature of cross-contamination in international food service environments. Following the tragedy, Kitto’s mother spoke at the inquest, expressing her profound pride in the strength her son displayed during his final days in the hospital. The coroner’s office officially ruled the death an accident, focusing on the failure of communication or preparation at the point of sale despite the victim's precautions. This case serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those with severe food allergies when dining abroad, where language barriers and varying food safety standards can lead to catastrophic consequences.