A heart-wrenching incident occurred when a 23-year-old student lost her life after consuming her favorite meal during a first date.

Alison Pickering, a college student from Texas, ordered a dish she was familiar with, one that her family insisted had never caused her any harm before.

In a heartfelt conversation with CBS News, her family recalled that Alison had been aware of her peanut allergy since she was a young child in preschool. Her mother, Joy Pickering, shared how Alison returned home one day covered in hives after eating a peanut butter sandwich.

She said, “A friend shared a chocolate Jiff sandwich with her,” which immediately revealed her strong peanut allergy.

From that day on, any contact with peanuts left Alison feeling tingly in her lips and throat, necessitating trips to the emergency room. “She was always incredibly cautious,” Joy explained. “She never ate cookies unless they were homemade.”

On May 4, 2023, for her first date, Alison opted to dine at Newton’s Saddlerack, a restaurant she’d safely visited before. She ordered mahi-mahi, confident it was a safe choice.

Unbeknownst to Alison or the restaurant staff, the recipe had been altered to include peanut sauce.

Her father, Grover Pickering, recounted the moment: “After a few bites, she felt something was amiss.” Alison quickly administered her EpiPen, and an ambulance was called. “She walked to the ambulance, conversing normally, but sadly, her condition deteriorated rapidly.”

Tragically, Alison passed away just days before she was set to graduate from Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

In the midst of their sorrow, Alison’s family is advocating for increased transparency in restaurants about allergen disclosures. Joy expressed on social media, “It’s crucial for restaurants to clearly label known allergens like peanuts; it’s a simple step that can save lives.”

Following this tragedy, Texas State Legislature enacted the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act to improve communication in kitchens regarding allergens.

While restaurant owner Mike Newton claims his staff were informed about the menu change, this grave incident underscores the vital importance of effective communication and clear allergen warnings.

In loving memory of Alison, may she rest in peace and may her story serve as an urgent reminder for the safety and well-being of countless others.