Emerald Pellot graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a degree in Writing & Popular Culture. She worked as Senior Editor of College Candy for 2 years, covering feminism, popular culture, and college life before joining LittleThings in 2015. Based in New York City, Emerald covers a wide range of topics from human interest pieces to celebrity news.

A restaurant made a fatal mistake. Now, one Minnesota family is seeking justice and warning others. When 16-year-old Scott Johnson ordered pancakes, he was told they met his strict dietary restrictions.


Scott was severely allergic to dairy. The pancakes he ordered were said to be dairy-free, but soon after he ate them, he died.

“Every time I would pick something up, when I was shopping with my parents, I’d look at the label and be like, ‘Can Scott have this?’” said Scott’s sister, Jaris Johnson.

For Scott, even small traces of dairy could send him to the emergency room. Restaurant outings were rare, but the family was sure to make his allergy clear to staff.


At this particular restaurant, the staff all knew the Johnson family.

The teen’s mom Cindy confirmed with the waitress, who then confirmed with the cook, that the pancakes were dairy-free. The waitress told them that the cook would clean the grill to especially make the pancakes. There was no reason for the Johnsons to believe otherwise. Scott ate the pancakes.

“He had just finished, and he said ‘We have to go now.’” Cindy said.

Scott used his EpiPen at home, but the allergy medication wasn’t working. The frightened mother called 911. Scott was airlifted to a hospital, but after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction, the boy died three days later.

“Just one mistake can take someone’s life,” Cindy Johnson said. The family has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant and are sharing their story to warn others.

Unless a restaurant is designed to cater to certain dietary restrictions, it isn’t worth assuming the risk of dining there if you have a severe allergy. Always ask and ask again when you do choose to assume that risk and have an EpiPen ready at all times.

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