- Michael Chiarello was a renown chef
- He mas mostly known from The Food Network
- THIS was his cause of death
The chef had been hospitalized at Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa while "receiving treatment for the allergic reaction over the past week." Sources report that neither doctors nor Chiarello’s family know what caused the allergic reaction in the first place. "The doctors don't know what caused the allergic reaction and neither does the family," a representative for Michael's company Gruppo Chiarello told 'People' magazine on Oct. 10. "They may never know."
Dr. Inderpal Randhawa, CEO and founder of the Food Allergy Institute, tells the outlet that a person being unaware of a life-threatening allergy later in life "is rare but it does happen." "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.
Michael was the victim of chance
Dr. Randhawa gave an example of an older person developing an allergy that initially resulted in "atypical symptoms such as abdominal discomfort or skin rash." If the person modified their diet but "over the next year, they continued to cook shellfish where there are allergens in the air, the air-based allergens will increase sensitization of their immune system and increase their risk of anaphylaxis," says Dr. Randhawa. "The next time they consume shellfish, it can result in a severe and rapid reaction."
And in his line of work, there's no telling where Michael might have picked up his problem. "Having several factors combined at once during a small food allergen exposure can result in a life-threatening event," said Dr. Randhawa. An autopsy report could "identify the general groups of foods to which he might have had a reaction," Dr. Randhawa. But a representative for Chiarello did not clarify if an autopsy report is being conducted.
Unfortunately, people can be allergic to nearly anything, even from childhood, including pollen, dust, food, insect stings, animal dander, latex, mold and medications. For many, all it takes is a tiny crumb or speck of an allergen to spark a reaction that can quickly become life-threatening if not treated properly or efficiently. Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur to foods, insect stings, medications and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.
And the not knowing the actual cause is arguably the most frustrating thing for loved ones going through something similar themselves.
Also interesting:
His cause of death revealed
Now we know
May he rest in peace
"We deeply mourn the loss of our beloved patriarch Michael," the chef's loved ones shared through the company. "His culinary brilliance, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to family were at the core of his being. He brought people together through the joy of shared meals, fostering lasting memories around the table."
Their statement continued, "As we navigate this profound loss, we hold dear the moments we cherished with him, both in his kitchens and in our hearts. His legacy will forever live on in the love he poured into every dish and the passion he instilled in all of us to savor life's flavors."
Gruppo Chiarello also added that in lieu of flowers, Michael's family requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels, "ensuring his commitment to culinary excellence and sustainability lives on. Chiarello's funeral arrangements will be private, and in lieu of flowers, his family is asking donations instead be made to Meals on Wheels.
He will be deeply by friends, family, and fans alike.
