Declare Food Allergy Awareness Week

Senate Resolution No. 261 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12-18, 2019, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12-18, 2019, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Food Allergy Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, Food allergies affect 4% of the population and cause an estimated 50,000 to 125,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States; and WHEREAS, Fifteen million Americans have food allergies, six million are children under the age of 18, and research shows that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing among children; and WHEREAS, Children with allergies are two to four times as likely to have other allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema; approximately

30% of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food, and 40% of children with food allergies have experienced a severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis; and WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence of food allergies in children has increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011; and WHEREAS, Eight major food allergens cause most of all food allergy reactions in the United States: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat; symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and swelling of the throat; and WHEREAS, Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and WHEREAS, Each year, 200,000 people in the United States require emergency medical care for allergic reactions to food; and WHEREAS, While most food allergies arise in childhood, at least 15% of food allergies are first diagnosed in adulthood; serious or fatal reactions can happen at any time, however teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis; and WHEREAS, There is no cure for food allergy, and scientists do not understand why; strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; once a serious allergic reaction begins, the only effective treatment is epinephrine; and WHEREAS, Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, supports the increase in public awareness regarding food allergies and anaphylaxis; it is important to help educate schools, restaurants and all citizens of the State of New York of the serious and potentially life-threatening nature of food allergies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12-18, 2019, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.