Rotten: Lawyers, Guns & Honey
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Rotten: Lawyers, Guns & Honey

July 15, 2023
Title

I watched "The Peanut Problem" from the TV series "Rotten" on Netflix.

In recent years, it has become clear that the number of food allergy patients is on the rise. Eight primary allergenic foods (shellfish, eggs, fish, dairy, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat) account for over 90% of allergic reactions. Among them, the severity rate of peanut allergies is particularly high. In the US, peanuts are the leading cause of allergic reactions, and peanut farmers are concerned about the decrease in consumption due to the rise in peanut allergies.

An example of a restaurant misrepresenting allergenic ingredients was highlighted, where a man in the UK died after eating curry containing peanuts. He had ordered the curry for takeaway, confirming that it did not contain peanuts, and even the takeaway pack was labeled as "peanut-free". However, it turned out that the restaurant owner, to cut costs, had substituted expensive almonds with cheaper peanuts. The owner was later arrested.

The program introduced a restaurant in the UK that ensures the safety of those with allergies. They use a list that matches dishes to the allergens they contain, and every order undergoes a double-check. While this approach is time-consuming and costly, it provides peace of mind for those with allergies. Many people with allergies, as well as parents with allergic children, are active members of this community, and word-of-mouth has helped in spreading the restaurant's reputation. Moreover, the repeat rate for customers with allergies is quite high. However, the restaurant industry, with its low-profit margins, finds it burdensome to cater to allergy sufferers. All the checks and measures reduce the turnover rate, leading to decreased sales. Parents with children who have food allergies often find it hard to dine out. One parent, upon visiting this restaurant for the first time, was so moved that they cried.

There are also people who falsely claim to have allergies visiting these restaurants. If an influencer says they have a gluten allergy, suddenly there seems to be a surge in people claiming to have gluten allergies. For instance, under the influence of influencers declaring their gluten allergies, there's an increase in people suddenly stating they have gluten allergies, but they eat cookies for dessert without any issue, even if they avoid dairy or wheat products. This isn't an allergy; it's a diet.

Lastly, research from Israel about peanut allergies was introduced. In Israel, the number of peanut allergy sufferers is relatively low compared to other countries. One of the reasons cited for this is the popularity of a children's snack called "Bamba". Research indicates that by introducing peanuts between the age of 4 and 11 months, the risk of developing a peanut allergy significantly reduces.

References

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