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Chef Michael Chiarello died from anaphylactic shock, but allergic reaction still a mystery

October 13, 2023

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello died at age 61 on October 7, his restaurant group, Gruppo Chiarello, said in a news release. Chiarello, a former Food Network star, died at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where he was being treated for the past week for an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, but the cause of the allergic reaction is unknown. (O'Kane, 2023)

Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, CEO and founder of the Food Allergy Institute says that although rare, it's possible for a person to be unaware of a life-threatening allergy later in life. "Two-thirds of adults with food anaphylaxis develop the disease after 18 years of age," says Randhawa, who did not work as Chiarello's doctor. (Flam, 2023)

Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur to foods, insect stings, medications, and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. However, even mild allergies can lead to anaphylaxis and may be difficult to predict as such reactions are dependent on factors such as exposure dose, the condition of a person's immune system and prior history of allergic reactions. (Camero, 2023)

A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chiarello earned accolades as a chef, vintner, specialty food trailblazer, philanthropist, accomplished author, and engaging television host. His culinary philosophy revolved around seasonal, sustainable ingredients, and he passionately supported the artisans and farmers who crafted them (Businesswire, 2023).

Sources:

Flam, C. (2023, October 10). People. Chef Michael Chiarello Died from Anaphylactic Shock but 'Doctors Don't Know' What Caused the Fatal Allergic Reaction. https://people.com/chef-michael-chiarello-died-from-fatal-allergic-reaction-doctors-dont-know-what-caused-reaction-8349332

O'Kane, C. (2023, October 11). CBS News. Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello dead at age 61 after mystery allergic reaction. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-chiarello-dead-61-chef-allergic-reaction/

Camero, K. (2023, Ocober 11). USA Today. Chef Michael Chiarello's fatal allergic reaction reveals allergies' hidden dangers. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/10/10/chef-michael-chiarello-death-deadly-risk-of-allergies-what-to-know/71131853007/