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Brunei Sultan's nephew, a SEA Games footballer, treated for peanut allergy in Manila


A footballer was hospitalized last weekend due to an allergic reaction to peanuts, which was one of the ingredients of a dish that was served.

Faiq Hefri Bolkiah, the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, was brought to the Manila Doctor's Hospital for treatment.

The culinary team of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was not informed about the peanut allergy of the Sultan of Brunei’s nephew and the country’s football team captain, which caused the athlete to be rushed to a hospital, according to the executive chef.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

In a press conference on Wednesday, SEA Games executive chef Bruce Lim said they were not notified by the Brunei delegates that Bolkiah had a peanut allergy, causing his lips to swell after he ate curry.

“We tried to work hand in hand with their nutritionists and their coaches. So I’m not sure if they notified us that they have a peanut allergy,” he said.

“If you notify us and you tell us agad when you guys arrive about any type of dietary restriction or allergy, we will address it, no issue,” Lim added.

Lim maintained that they always consult team coordinators about the dietary restrictions and allergies of athletes and guests.

“If there’s any allergens for the actual athletes, I make sure the food comes out correctly,” he explained. “Whatever your needs are, we can take care of."

The executive chef said he will ensure that the ingredients of each dish will be “up and posted” for the reference of the SEA Games delegates.

The food for guests became the center of controversy after the Singaporean team complained Monday that the dishes they were served in Metro Manila were not halal-compliant or permissible for Muslims to eat under Islamic Law.

Lim said all dishes served at the New Clark City in Tarlac have been made halal-friendly.

The SEA Games will be held in various venues across the country from November 30 to December 11. — BAP/NB, GMA News

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