Uber Eats is facing criticism following its Super Bowl advert, which appeared to make light of a man having an allergic reaction to peanut butter. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) charity expressed surprise and disappointment at the use of allergies as a joke in the advert. Additionally, a person allergic to peanuts described the ad as ‘disgusting, tone-deaf, and completely unnecessary’.

The controversial advert, titled ‘Don’t Forget Uber Eats’, features former Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, as well as David and Victoria Beckham. The premise of the advert revolves around people forgetting things, but the backlash arose from a scene depicting a man having an allergic reaction to peanuts.

Dr Sung Poblete, head of the charity FARE, expressed concern that such adverts could encourage bullying among children, as they trivialize the seriousness of food allergies. She emphasized the need to educate Uber Eats about the impact of living with a food allergy in order to raise awareness.

Anaphylaxis, defined as a life-threatening allergic reaction by the NHS, can be caused by food, medicine, or insect stings. The ad attempted to mitigate its humor by including a small disclaimer at the bottom of the screen, stating ‘Please please please do not forget there are peanuts in peanut butter’. However, this disclaimer was criticized by JD Arland, an individual allergic to peanuts and soy, who found it exacerbating.

The controversy surrounding the advert has sparked a debate about the portrayal of food allergies in humor and its potential impact on individuals living with allergies. As the backlash continues, Uber Eats is yet to respond to the criticism.