The wife of a British artist has initiated legal proceedings against an artisan cheesemaker following an inquest that determined a listeria-contaminated cheese contributed to his death. Roger Parkes, a painter and chef from Chichester in West Sussex, passed away in February 2023 after falling severely ill days after consuming cheese from a Valentine's gift box purchased by his wife, Carina Parkes, as reported by The Telegraph.
Background of the incident
The cheese had been supplied by Wiltshire-based producer The Old Cheese Room. After Parkes's death, the company recalled a batch of its Baronet Reblochon cheese after contamination with listeria bacteria was identified. An inquest held in 2024 concluded that the cheese was contaminated and unfit for consumption. The medical cause of death was recorded as multi-organ failure and listeria meningoencephalitis.
Legal action and damages sought
Carina Parkes is now seeking more than £200,000 in damages, alleging that the company failed to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers. The Valentine's cheese box was delivered to the couple's home on February 10, 2023. Parkes began eating the cheese a week later and consumed it over several days. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and an ambulance was called on February 21. He was initially admitted to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester before being transferred to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where doctors diagnosed listeria infection. He died on February 27.
Defense and dispute
The Old Cheese Room has acknowledged that the cheese consumed by Parkes contained listeria. However, the company disputes responsibility for his death. Its legal team argues that Parkes had recently undergone major aortic surgery and faced significant health complications before contracting the infection. The defence maintains that it has not been proven that listeria, rather than his underlying medical condition, caused his death. The cheesemaker issued a Food Standards Agency recall notice in March 2023, withdrawing the affected batch of Baronet cheese from sale. Two other people also became ill after consuming the product.
Next steps in the case
The case is due to return to court for a pre-trial hearing. The outcome will determine whether the cheesemaker is held liable for the artist's death.
