Of the 11 million Americans (3 million of them children under 18) who suffer from food allergies, approximately 200 to 250 die each year from allergic reactions. Over 30,000 others suffer severe, even life-threatening reactions. To ensure that a product is allergen-free, the parents of food-allergic children must scrutinize ingredient statements of every food product they purchase, every time they shop. The only way to prevent dangerous reactions is to avoid all foods that contain allergy-producing ingredients. There is no cure for food allergies.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act became effective on January 1, 2006. The act requires that food ingredient statements identify, in everyday language, the presence of the eight major food allergens - peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. Food ingredient statements are also required to identify food allergens used in spices, flavorings, additives and colorings.
 
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act was passed in the House of Representatives on April 8, 2009. The Senate version is being sponsored by Chris Dodd of Connecticut, and has been reported favorably out of the health committee. It will be voted on in 2010. This law will provide schools across the country with uniform guidance on how to create appropriate management and emergency plans for children with food allergies.  The bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a voluntary policy for schools to implement measures to prevent exposure to food allergens, and assure a prompt response if a child suffers a potentially fatal reaction.
 
Please contact our senators to let them know how important this bill (S.456) is for the health of our children.