Peanut Butter Bullying Among Adults

Filed in archive Food Allergies on March 13, 2009

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 3245418

How many times have we heard of food allergies being used as weapons for bullying? Too many. But this has got to be one of the most nutty (pun intended) I've ever encountered: Ex-Fiance Accused Of Using Woman's Nut Allergy As Weapon To Harm Her.

It started on January 12th when a 49-year-old Burlington woman went outside to get into her car. When she touched the handle, she felt a weird substance on her hands.

The investigation revealed that the spurned lover allegedly spread the nut material on her vehicle door, knowing it would cause a severe reaction.

A 47-year-old is charged with administering a noxious substance and criminal harassment. He was in court on Thursday, but police won't reveal his name to protect the victim's identity.

I think this is also the first time I've read of peanut butter referred to as a noxious substance. I know very well how dangerous peanut butter is to some individuals (my own son included) so while it's contextually correct, I think I've never heard 'noxious' to refer to food allergens before.