As NBC Sports was covering the Kentucky Derby over the weekend, the company needed to make a sudden pivot when host Mike Tirico stepped away from the coverage after feeling under the weather. It was later revealed that Tirico had a nut allergy and was experiencing an allergic reaction, and he did not end up returning to the broadcast. Ahmed Fareed, a host and reporter for NBC Sports, ended up filling in for Tirico on the coverage and communicated what was taking place to the audience.
Tirico joined Today on Monday morning where he divulged that he was feeling okay and expressed sadness that he has become part of the program. Within the segment, he articulated that while filling in on the program last week, he pointed out that he has a nut allergy and was safeguarding against consuming anything with nuts during cooking segments. On top of that, he averred that he mentions the allergy on a regular basis but proceeded to articulate how some people on television usually engage in “snack grazing” to prevent eating big meals before taking the air. Tirico has hosted NBC Sports coverage of the Kentucky Derby for the last nine years.
“I ate something that had a nut in it and had a nut allergy, causes your throat and your nose and all that stuff to kind of clog up and swell, and it affects your breathing a little bit,” Tirico said. “So [I] wasn’t feeling well, couldn’t go on with the show, took an EpiPen shot, got treated by EMTs, felt better as about 8-9:00 came along, but it takes a while for it to get out of your system. And thank goodness Ahmed Fareed, who’s great, was there and filled in. More than ably, the show went on without us.”
Tirico spoke about how May is National Food Allergy Awareness Month and how over 30 million Americans have food allergies themselves. Furthermore, he encouraged those with food allergies to read labels, something he does regularly and acknowledges that they sometimes say, “Made in a factory where nuts are present,” something that can potentially risk cross-contamination.
“Not only ask questions, but if you’re hosting people for dinners, let them know if there are anything made with nuts,” Tirico said. “Restaurants are great about it now, folks, so ask, inquire, be curious and be courteous to those who have nut allergies or other food allergies. There are many, obviously, around the country.”
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