MPs have debated calls for a new law improving allergy labelling after an 18-year-old died eating due to an allergic reaction from eating a Byron burger.

Owen Carey, from Crowborough, told staff he was allergic to dairy but suffered a fatal reaction after eating buttermilk-coated grilled chicken at a London restaurant in 2017. He was celebrating his 18th birthday.

In the debate yesterday, Neil O’Brien, a health minister, said “nothing is off the table” and that the government will “look closely” at proposals for a national allergy tsar.

His remarks came as MPs spoke about both campaigns after they were supported by thousands of people who signed two e-petitions.

“Owen’s Law” seeks to require restaurants to put all information about allergens in their food on the face of the main menu to ensure customers have “full visibility” on what they order.

Servers should also be required to start a discussion with customers about allergies on all occasions, the campaign adds.

Mr O’Brien, responding to a debate in Westminster Hall, said food businesses are “under the same legal obligation” to provide information at the point of sale indicating the presence of 14 major allergens.

The minister said the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is working to ensure all consumers can “make safe and informed choices about the food that they buy".

“The Carey family is already driving awareness on these issues and the issues that people with life-threatening allergies face,” said Mr O’Brien.

“The FSA has met with the family several times over the last few years and absolutely recognises the very positive impact that just the campaign for Owen’s Law is already having.

“We need to consider all the changes we might make to the law carefully to make sure there are better safety outcomes for allergen sufferers and to avoid any kind of unintended consequences for consumers.”

Renewed calls for a national allergy tsar came ahead of the debate from Tanya Ednan-Laperouse and Emma Turay, two mothers whose daughters died from severe allergic reactions.

On the national allergy tsar proposal, Mr O’Brien said parts of the leadership role are in place but noted: “We will absolutely look closely at this proposal and how we get to a more joined-up approach.”