Doncaster widow wants answers over duck egg concerns after husband's suspected salmonella death

Niptoon Tavakoli, of Lindholme, died in hospital two months after falling ill complaining of sickness and diarrhoea.

The 65-year-old had eaten duck eggs five days before he became ill, says widow Cheryl, who has appointed lawyers to look into the death.

A pre-inquest review is due to be held tomorrow (Tuesday).

Tim Annett, lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “Salmonella can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious health problems. In the worst cases, such as this one, it can even lead to death.

“Understandably Niptoon’s family has a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to his death. We are determined to provide the family with the vital answers it deserves and the start of the inquest process is a major milestone in being able to do this.”

Niptoon, who worked in the catering industry and retail management, cooked and ate four duck eggs last June.

On June 10 he was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary by ambulance. He was admitted to intensive care but died on August 12.

Family lawyers say doctors found evidence of salmonella, and that Public Health England had launched an investigation, which is ongoing, which confirmed a second similar case of salmonella in the West Midlands. The source of the infection had not been traced, say lawyers.

Cheryl said: “Niptoon was the most wonderful, loving and caring husband and stepdad we could have wished for.

“Niptoon was a very good cook and had worked in the catering industry for years. It is difficult not to think that he was taken too soon.

“Knowing that another person contracted salmonella also after eating duck eggs just adds to the concerns we have about Niptoon’s death.

“We know that nothing can ever make up for what has happened but we need to know if more could have been done to prevent his death. We know that the inquest process is going to be an emotional time but it is something we have to do to honour Niptoon’s memory.”