A growing concern is emerging at the intersection of entertainment and public health: the increasing depiction of anaphylaxis as a murder weapon in television and film. This trend, highlighted by food allergy advocate Lianne Mandelbaum in a recent interview with KevinMD, is raising alarms among medical professionals and patient advocacy groups who fear it could trivialize a life-threatening condition and potentially inspire real-world harm.
Mandelbaum’s concerns stem from a recent miniseries, “All Her Fault,” where a character is intentionally killed using a food allergy – specifically, a soy allergy. The plot involves a spouse deliberately exposing the victim to soy and then providing an expired epinephrine auto-injector, ensuring a fatal outcome. Disturbingly, the series portrays this act not as a crime, but as a justifiable act, further compounding the issue.
The danger, as Mandelbaum explains, lies in the normalization of anaphylaxis as a tool for violence. Food allergies are already often dismissed, minimized, or even mocked, leading to bullying and harassment of those affected. Presenting anaphylaxis as a viable murder method, and even a justifiable one, provides a dangerous blueprint and validates harmful behavior. This is particularly concerning given the speed and severity of anaphylactic reactions, which can be fatal within minutes.
Mandelbaum shared heartbreaking stories illustrating the real-life consequences of failing to take food allergies seriously. She recounted the experience of a father witnessing his son’s heart stop after an accidental exposure to peanuts, and the story of a college student who died in a hospital parking lot after self-treating an allergic reaction and delaying seeking medical attention due to embarrassment. These examples underscore the critical need for immediate recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis.
The issue extends beyond fictional portrayals. Mandelbaum cited a case where an individual on a Virgin Australia flight experienced anaphylaxis after consuming an airline meal and initially hesitated to disclose their allergy, fearing ridicule. This hesitation nearly proved fatal, highlighting the pervasive stigma surrounding food allergies and the potential for life-threatening consequences when individuals are afraid to advocate for their safety.
Mandelbaum also pointed to a study by Linda Herbert at Children’s National, which revealed alarming rates of bullying related to food allergies. The study found that one in three children with food allergies are bullied, with instances including having allergens thrown at them, put in their food, or forced to consume them. This underscores the urgent need to address the societal attitudes that contribute to such harmful behavior.
The concern isn’t about censorship or limiting artistic expression, Mandelbaum emphasized. Rather, it’s about responsible storytelling and recognizing the potential impact of media portrayals on real-world behavior. She draws a parallel to other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, where intentionally causing harm related to the condition would be universally condemned. The question, she poses, is why food allergies are treated differently.
The lack of a strong response from food allergy organizations and the broader medical community is also a concern. Mandelbaum believes a clear “red line” needs to be drawn, signaling that portraying anaphylaxis as a murder weapon is unacceptable. This requires a collective effort to educate the public, challenge harmful stereotypes, and advocate for accurate representation of food allergies in media.
the goal is to foster a culture of understanding and respect for individuals with food allergies. This includes recognizing the life-threatening nature of the condition, promoting open communication about allergies, and creating safe and inclusive environments where individuals feel comfortable advocating for their needs. By challenging harmful portrayals and promoting accurate information, we can help protect vulnerable individuals and prevent tragic consequences.
Mandelbaum urges individuals and content creators to understand that misrepresentation validates dangerous behavior and puts vulnerable children at risk. Accurate storytelling is essential for protecting the safety and dignity of those with life-threatening conditions.
