Sweden’s Gender Equality Minister, Paulina Brandberg, has reportedly instructed officials to enforce a strict fruit-free policy in meeting rooms due to her severe banana allergy, according to Sky News.
Leaked emails, published by Swedish tabloid Expressen, reveal that Brandberg’s team issued explicit instructions to avoid the presence of bananas in areas she frequents.
One email addressed to Norway’s Judicial Agency ahead of a VIP lunch stated, “[Paulina Brandberg] has a strong allergy to bananas, so it would be appreciated that there are no bananas in the areas where she will be staying.” Another message to the County Administrative Board reinforced this policy: “No bananas are allowed on the premises either.”
Highlighting the seriousness of her condition, Brandberg told Expressen, “It’s something that I get professional help with.”
In 2020, Brandberg allegedly posted on X (formerly Twitter) about her banana sensitivity, describing it as “the world’s weirdest phobia.” However, the post is no longer available, sparking speculation that it may have been deleted.
Banana allergies, although rare, can have significant health implications. Beyond physical reactions, a psychological condition known as bananaphobia can cause anxiety, nausea, or fatigue, even from the sight or smell of bananas.
Brandberg’s condition serves as a reminder that even unusual allergies or phobias can profoundly impact an individual’s health and well-being.
