Baking influencer faces backlash for making sourdough on flight to Europe

Maria Baradell, a baking influencer from Venezuela residing in Dallas, faced backlash after filming herself making sourdough on a ten-hour flight to Spain. She intended to surprise her sister with a fresh loaf of bread. During the flight, she kneaded dough in the cabin, which raised concerns among viewers with gluten allergies, particularly those with coeliac disease, who felt her actions could endanger their health due to airborne flour. Maria filmed her process, including TSA checks for her ingredients, and claimed she had asked her seatmates for permission before proceeding. Despite her intentions, many viewers criticized her for being inconsiderate, highlighting the risks associated with airborne flour for those with severe allergies. Comments on her video expressed concern about the potential health risks, questioning how she was allowed to bring flour on board. Maria defended her actions by stating that all ingredients passed TSA checks and that she believed baking would eliminate any germs. After her video went viral, Maria acknowledged the backlash and stated she had learned from the experience, promising never to attempt making sourdough on a plane again. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of influencers and the potential impact of their actions on individuals with food allergies. Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the health and safety of others, especially in shared spaces like airplanes, where airborne allergens can pose significant risks to vulnerable individuals.