LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 9-15, 2010, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, Food allergies affect 4% of the population and cause an esti-
mated 50,000 to 125,000 emergency room visits each year in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Twelve million Americans have food allergies, of which three
million are children under the age of 18, and 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; 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, 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; 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 regard-
ing food allergy and anaphylaxis; 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 David A. Paterson to proclaim May 9-15, 2010, as
Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.