In a poignant reaction to a new Snickers advertisement, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, mother of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, criticized the commercial’s portrayal of a man enjoying the nutty snack on a plane.
Natasha tragically passed away at the age of 15 due to a severe allergic reaction triggered by sesame seeds in a Pret sandwich purchased at Heathrow Airport.
Natasha’s death in 2016 spurred her family to advocate for legislative change, resulting in ‘Natasha’s Law,’ which mandates allergen information for freshly prepared foods sold on-site.
Despite these efforts, a recent Snickers ad, titled ‘Hungry Skies,’ depicting passengers enjoying the chocolate bars during a flight, has drawn widespread criticism.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, expressed shock and disappointment at Mars’ decision to feature an airplane setting in their advertisement.
She emphasized the potential danger of consuming nut-containing snacks in enclosed spaces, particularly for individuals with severe food allergies.
Speaking to MailOnline, Tanya urged greater sensitivity towards travelers with food allergies, especially during peak travel seasons.
She stressed the importance of understanding and accommodating individuals’ dietary restrictions to ensure safe and anxiety-free journeys for all passengers.
In addition to advocacy, Natasha’s family has supported advancements in allergy treatment, including backing for Xolair, a drug that shows promise in reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
Despite its potential benefits, the drug remains unavailable to many British patients due to cost concerns and regulatory hurdles.
Calls for Pharmaceutical Responsibility
Reflecting on the impact of such advancements, Natasha’s father highlighted the transformative potential of Xolair in alleviating the constant fear and vigilance experienced by families managing severe allergies.
He appealed to pharmaceutical companies to prioritize accessibility and affordability, emphasizing the profound impact on improving quality of life for allergy sufferers.
Commitment to Safety and Consumer Welfare
Responding to the controversy, a Mars spokesperson reaffirmed the company’s commitment to consumer safety, citing their collaboration with Anaphylaxis UK and clear allergen labeling on product packaging.
They emphasized the importance of following cabin crew instructions and respecting fellow passengers’ allergy concerns.
In conclusion, while advancements in allergy research offer hope, the Ednan-Laperouse family’s advocacy underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with severe allergies and the critical need for compassion and awareness in public settings.