Establishes a pilot program related to making the gluten content of food available at certain state owned, operated, or leased cafeterias

3 Co-sponsors

• Tony Avella
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Bill Perkins

BILL NUMBER:S1731

Title of bill

An act to establish a pilot program related to making the gluten content of food available at certain state owned, operated, or leased cafeterias; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To provide safety for those with food allergies who are served through owned, operated or leased state businesses.

Summary of provisions

Section One of the bill creates a pilot program making the gluten content of food available at certain state cafeterias, and providing for repeal upon expiration thereof.

Section Two provides this act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become law, and shall expire and be deemed repealed three years after such date.

Justification

This bill will create a pilot program to make available the gluten content of foods served in certain cafeterias owned by the state. Pursuant to this legislation, the state shall clearly and conspicuously post and make available all information regarding the gluten content of foods being served and shall have an employee available during the hours of operation with the capacity to identify gluten-free food or beverages.

Approximately 15% of the United States population suffers from gluten intolerance of one form or another, ranging from gluten sensitivity to Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac disease affects people in all parts of the world.

Originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease is now known to be a common genetic disorder. It is also becoming more prevalent, as gluten is now used in a far wider variety of foods than in previous years. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods, but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins and lip balms.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be disabling and require sufferers to spend large amounts of time and money treating the disease or syndrome. This bill will create a pilot program designed to reduce the suffering of sufferers who patronize state-owned cafeterias as a way to determine the ultimate cost and feasibility of instituting gluten labeling requirements in all state owned, leased and operated eating establishments.

Legislative history

2013-2014: S.3094A/A.7627A - Died in Finance / Referred to Ways & Means 2011-2012: S.1124 - Referred to Health 2010: S.7460 - Referred to Health

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become law, and shall expire and be deemed repealed three years after such date.