07/02/2025
Lesson learned on live TV! Always speak up about food allergies!
A recent on-air food allergy scare on The View has sparked important conversations about food safety and communication behind the scenes.
Sunny Hostin experienced a serious allergic reaction after unknowingly eating a dish containing walnuts, an ingredient she’s severely allergic to. Former cohost Debbie Matenopoulos, who brought the dish as part of a cookbook segment, said she reviewed all recipes with producers and was told no one had food allergies. Sunny, not wanting to draw attention away from the segment, wrote a note to a cohost instead of speaking up.
This moment is a powerful reminder: food allergies are a serious medical conditions and must be taken into account. No one should ever feel embarrassed or hesitant to speak up about their needs, especially when their health is on the line.
Thankfully, Sunny received immediate medical care, including epinephrine, and is doing well. But this incident underscores how crucial it is to take food allergies seriously, ask questions, and create safer spaces, on camera and off. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ZZAtfk
