Pret A Manger controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Worker trapped in walk-in freezer
A Pret worker was trapped in a walk-in freezer for more than two hours. The company pleaded guilty to a health and safety offense and received an £800,000 fine.
2021
Complaints about Club Pret advertising and value
Thousands of customer complaints about the drinks subscription were reported, prompting involvement by the Advertising Standards Authority.
2020
Former Pret A Manger employee files discrimination lawsuit
Lawsuit filed
A former employee filed a lawsuit against Pret A Manger, alleging that employees created and fostered a discriminatory and hostile work environment. The allegations included repeated use of racial slurs at several New York City stores. The article said Pret had not responded to a request for comment at publication.
Source excerpt
At the time of publication, Pret had not responded to a request for comment.
A former employee at international fast-casual chain Pret A Manger has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that its employees “created and fostered a discriminatory and hostile work environment” against her while she worked in several of the company’s NYC stores.
2017
Death of Celia Marsh after dairy exposure
Celia Marsh died after consuming a product represented as dairy-free that was alleged to contain dairy traces. Pret blamed a supplier, while the supplier disputed aspects of Pret’s account and investigation.
2016
Death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse after sesame exposure
Fifteen-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died after an allergic reaction to sesame in a Pret baguette whose packaging did not identify the allergen. The case led to intense scrutiny of Pret’s labeling practices and contributed to broader UK food-labeling reform.