Food Allergy Awareness Week

WHEREAS, twelve million Americans have food allergies, and three million are children under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing among children; and

WHEREAS, eight foods cause 90% of all food allergy reactions in the United States: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of a food allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and swelling of the throat; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergy results in more than 300,000 ambulatory care visits a year involving children under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for good allergy, and strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and

WHEREAS, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about food allergy and anaphylaxis:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 8-May 14, 2011, as

Food Allergy Awareness Week

in the state of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 9th day of May 2011.

 

      

Governor Robert Bentley