P1 1WHEREAS, As many as 15 million people in the United States
2have a food allergy; and
3WHEREAS, Research indicates the prevalence of food allergies
4is increasing among children. Nearly six million children under
518 years of age have a food allergy; and
6WHEREAS, The eight foods that cause the majority of all food
7allergy reactions in the United States are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs,
8tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat; and
9WHEREAS, Symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can include
10hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and swelling of the
11throat; and
12WHEREAS, Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is
13rapid in onset and may cause death; and
14WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
15Prevention, food allergies result in more than 200,000 ambulatory
16care visits a year involving children under 18 years of age.
17Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a
18food containing an ingredient to which he or she is allergic; and
19WHEREAS, There is no cure for a food allergy, and scientists
20do not understand why that is. Strict avoidance of the offending
21food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and
22WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) is
23a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the
24quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies and
P2 1to providing them with hope through the promise of new
2treatments; now, therefore, be it
3Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That May 8
4to 14, 2016, is hereby proclaimed Food Allergy Awareness Week;
5and be it further
6Resolved, That the Senate of the State of California encourages
7the residents of this state to increase their understanding and
8awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis by visiting
9www.foodallergyweek.org; and be it further
10Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
11this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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