Uber Eats Changes Super Bowl Commercial After Backlash Over Food Allergy Joke
In a surprising turn of events, Uber Eats has decided to alter its Super Bowl commercial following widespread criticism over a joke that involved food allergies. The star-studded TV ad, which had initially garnered excitement and anticipation, quickly faced backlash for its insensitive portrayal of a man experiencing an allergic reaction.
The commercial, which features a running joke about forgetfulness, includes a brief scene of a man with a swollen face and hives, presumably due to an allergic reaction to peanuts. Advocates and individuals with food allergies were quick to condemn the ad, accusing it of misrepresenting the risks faced by those with such allergies. Social media platforms were flooded with stories of personal experiences and heartfelt pleas for greater sensitivity.
Responding to the mounting pressure, Uber Eats made the decision to remove any reference to the peanut allergy from the commercial. The nonprofit organization Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) played a crucial role in facilitating this change. Sung Poblete, CEO of FARE, expressed gratitude to the community for speaking up and ensuring that the voices of those affected by life-threatening food allergies were heard.
The alteration of the commercial marks a significant victory for advocates and individuals with food allergies. It signifies a shift in the way these allergies are perceived and highlights the importance of raising awareness about their potentially life-threatening nature. While data on food allergies is limited, FARE estimates that over 30 million Americans, including approximately 6 million children, suffer from this condition. Furthermore, it is believed that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing due to factors such as pollution, climate change, and advancements in allergy research.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with the national nonprofit Allergy and Asthma Network, emphasized the seriousness of food allergies. She stated that individuals with these allergies cannot be exposed to allergens in any form due to the extreme danger it poses to their health. Dr. Parikh cited the tragic case of Orla Baxendale, a 25-year-old professional dancer from New York City, who lost her life after consuming a mislabeled cookie containing peanuts.
While the controversy surrounding the food allergy joke has dominated the conversation, it is important to note that the Uber Eats commercial also includes other forgetfulness-themed scenes. Jennifer Aniston humorously forgets that she starred alongside David Schwimmer for 10 seasons of “Friends,” while David and Victoria Beckham comically forget the latter’s pop group, the Spice Girls. Additionally, musician Jelly Roll forgets about his face tattoos, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the ad. Notably, Usher, this year’s Super Bowl halftime performer, expresses his aspirations to one day perform at the prestigious event.
The altered commercial is scheduled to air during the third quarter of the highly anticipated Super Bowl game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Uber Eats’ decision to address the concerns raised by advocates and individuals with food allergies demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and sensitivity. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of entertainment, it is essential to consider the potential impact of our words and actions on those who may be affected by them.
As we eagerly await the Super Bowl and its iconic commercials, let us hope that this incident prompts a broader conversation about the portrayal of sensitive topics in advertising. By fostering a more empathetic and understanding society, we can ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.