Sussex widow sues artisan cheesemaker for £200k after husband dies from infected Valentine’s gift

Sussex Widow Sues Artisan Cheesemaker Over Husband’s Listeria-Related Death

Sussex widow sues artisan cheesemaker for 200k - In a case that has sparked debate over food safety and corporate responsibility, a West Sussex widow is seeking over £200,000 in compensation after her husband died from a listeria infection linked to a Valentine’s gift. The tragedy unfolded in February 2023 when painter Roger Parkes, 56, fell critically ill and succumbed to the illness just days after consuming a "Baronet" Reblochon cheese from The Old Cheese Room, an artisan cheesemaker based in Wiltshire. His wife, Carina Parkes, alleges that the cheese, purchased as part of a romantic Valentine’s box, was the direct cause of his death.

The Tragic Incident

Roger Parkes, a well-known local artist, had been in good health until the events of early February 2023. Carina, who ordered the cheese via The Old Cheese Room’s website, intended to express her love through a carefully curated selection of gourmet products. The "Baronet" Reblochon, a semi-soft cheese with a unique washed rind, was described as "a Reblochon recipe with a buttery taste and a washed rind...a semi-soft cheese with a lovely pale-yellow core" by the company. It was also noted for its "floral note and a slight suggestion of citrus," reflecting the freshness of the organic Jersey milk used in its production.

However, the cheese became the focal point of a tragic sequence of events. On 17 February, Roger began eating it, and within days, his condition worsened. By 21 February, he was so unwell that an ambulance was called. He was admitted to St Richards Hospital in Chichester, where his health deteriorated further, necessitating a transfer to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton by the morning of 23 February. There, he was diagnosed with listeria, a bacterial infection known for its potential to be fatal, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Despite treatment with antibiotics and the involvement of the infectious disease team, Roger’s health continued to decline. He passed away on 27 February 2023, leaving his wife to seek justice through the courts. The inquest into his death, which took place between 23 September and 25 September 2024, concluded that the cheese had been contaminated with listeria, rendering it unfit for human consumption. The medical cause of death was attributed to multiorgan failure and Listeria meningoencephalitis, a severe form of meningitis affecting the brain.

The Company’s Response

In the wake of Roger’s death, The Old Cheese Room initiated a product recall, pulling the "Baronet" Reblochon from sale. The company, which is run by master cheesemaker Julianna Sedli and her husband Karim Niazy, admitted that the cheese was contaminated with the deadly bacteria. However, they have since denied direct liability, arguing that Roger’s pre-existing health conditions may have contributed to his demise.

According to the company’s legal representative, Alexander MacPherson, the issue lies in proving a causal link between the cheese and Roger’s death. “It is admitted that the defendant's breach of duty resulted in the cheese becoming contaminated with Listeria,” MacPherson stated in court documents. “No admissions are made as to the medical consequences of the cheese being contaminated with Listeria.” He emphasized that the claimant, Carina Parkes, must demonstrate that the infection was the primary cause of her husband’s fatal illness.

Despite the recall, the company has maintained that their manufacturing process, while reputable, cannot be held solely responsible. MacPherson pointed out that Roger had undergone extensive aortic surgery in the months prior to his death, which may have compromised his ability to fight off the infection. This argument positions the cheese as a contributing factor rather than the sole cause, setting the stage for a complex legal battle.

The Legal Proceedings

The case, filed in London’s High Court, was presented by Shahram Sharghy, who represents Carina Parkes. In his legal filings, Sharghy detailed the timeline of events, starting with the Valentine’s box order and ending with Roger’s hospitalization and death. He argued that the cheese was not just contaminated but actively responsible for the chain of events leading to his demise.

“On 7 February 2023, Mrs Parkes had ordered via the Rennet and Rind website a 'Valentine box' of cheese, manufactured and produced by the defendant. Mr Parkes began to eat the cheese on 17 February 2023 and continued to pick at it over the subsequent few days. On 21 February 2023, an ambulance was called as Mr Parkes had become seriously unwell as a result of eating the cheese. He was taken to St Richards Hospital, Chichester, where he was admitted and assessed. His condition deteriorated further, such that by the morning of 23 February 2023 he was transferred by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he was assessed and diagnosed as suffering with listeria.”

Sharghy’s argument hinges on the inquest’s findings, which stated that the cheese’s contamination was a direct result of the defendant’s production process. He contends that the company’s failure to ensure proper hygiene standards led to a product that posed a significant health risk. “The medical cause of death was stated to be multiorgan failure and Listeria meningoencephalitis,” the legal documents noted, reinforcing the claim that the cheese was the catalyst for Roger’s illness.

In contrast, The Old Cheese Room’s defense is rooted in the idea of shared responsibility. While they acknowledge the cheese’s contamination, they argue that the severity of Roger’s illness could not be solely attributed to the product. The company’s legal team has also highlighted the fact that multiple individuals fell ill after consuming the cheese, suggesting that the infection may have spread beyond Roger’s case. This development has added layers to the litigation, as the company faces the challenge of proving that the cheese was not the definitive cause of death.

The Artisan Cheese Legacy

The Old Cheese Room, based at Neston Park, Home Farm in Corsham, Wiltshire, has built a reputation as an award-winning artisan cheesemaker. Their commitment to using organic Jersey milk has been a key selling point, with their products celebrated for their rich texture and flavor. The "Baronet" cheese, in particular, was marketed as a premium item, designed to offer a unique sensory experience through its combination of creamy consistency and floral undertones.

Yet, the incident has cast a shadow over their legacy. The recall, issued through the Food Standards Agency in March 2023, marked the first time the company had to address a contamination issue. This event not only disrupted their operations but also raised questions about the safety of their product line. For Carina Parkes, the case is more than a legal dispute—it is a personal fight to hold the company accountable for the loss of her husband.

As the trial progresses, the focus remains on establishing the connection between the cheese and the infection. With the evidence of contamination firmly in place, the case will likely turn on whether the company’s practices were sufficient to prevent such an outbreak. The stakes are high, both for the widow seeking compensation and the cheesemaker defending their reputation. The outcome may set a precedent for how food producers are held responsible for illnesses linked to their products.