diff --git a/lib/govuk_publishing_components/app_helpers/taxon_breadcrumbs.rb b/lib/govuk_publishing_components/app_helpers/taxon_breadcrumbs.rb
index aa096f902e..13d909cbf4 100644
--- a/lib/govuk_publishing_components/app_helpers/taxon_breadcrumbs.rb
+++ b/lib/govuk_publishing_components/app_helpers/taxon_breadcrumbs.rb
@@ -52,14 +52,10 @@ def initialize(content_item)
         end
 
         def parent_taxon
-          parent_taxons.first
-        end
+          @_parent_taxon ||= begin
+            parent_content_item = content_item.dig("links", "parent_taxons", 0)
 
-        def parent_taxons
-          @_parent_taxons ||= begin
-            content_item.dig("links", "parent_taxons")
-              .to_a
-              .map { |taxon| ContentItem.new(taxon) }
+            ContentItem.new(parent_content_item) unless parent_content_item.nil?
           end
         end