Uber Eats Alters Super Bowl Ad Following Allergy Controversy

Uber Eats swiftly made changes to its Super Bowl commercial after facing backlash over its portrayal of food allergies, a move applauded by allergy advocacy groups.

The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) charity expressed appreciation towards Uber Eats for agreeing to remove scenes depicting a man experiencing an allergic reaction to peanut butter. Although Uber did not release an official statement, it shared the edited version of the ad.

The Super Bowl stands as a pinnacle moment for marketing, drawing tens of millions of viewers eagerly anticipating the championship game and its high-budget commercials, meticulously planned months in advance.

Uber’s one-minute ad, titled “Don’t forget to remember Uber Eats,” recounts instances of forgetfulness, originally featuring a man mistakenly consuming peanut butter, alongside other memory lapses involving celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and the Beckhams.

Concerns raised by FARE and other allergy groups highlighted the seriousness of food allergies and deemed the juxtaposition in the ad inappropriate.

Following discussions with Uber, FARE’s Dr. Poblete confirmed the company’s commitment to editing out references to peanut allergies, acknowledging the community’s advocacy for reshaping perceptions around life-threatening food allergies.

Special Group, the agency collaborating with Uber on the ad, did not offer a response to requests for comment.

While Uber’s swift action earned praise online for addressing allergy concerns, the last-minute adjustments underscore a potential setback for the company’s advertising campaign.

The alteration underscores the sensitivity surrounding portrayals of health issues, especially in high-profile marketing efforts like Super Bowl commercials.

Uber’s willingness to respond promptly to feedback reflects a growing awareness of the need for responsible advertising, particularly in areas concerning public health and safety.

The controversy surrounding the ad serves as a reminder of the importance of considering diverse perspectives and sensitivities in advertising, especially when addressing health-related topics.

Ultimately, Uber’s decision to amend the ad reflects a recognition of the importance of listening to community concerns and making necessary adjustments to ensure inclusivity and sensitivity in marketing campaigns.