HR1044 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1044 LRB100 21865 ALS 39699 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, As many as 15 million Americans have food allergies; nearly six million are children under the age of 18; and

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

WHEREAS, Eight foods cause the majority 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, Food allergies result in more than 200,000 Emergency Department visits each year; restrictions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and

WHEREAS, The number of food allergy reactions requiring emergency treatment has sharply increased over the past decade, with a 377 percent rise in medical procedures associated with anaphylaxis caused by food; and

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

WHEREAS, There is no cure for a 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, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies; the organization also provides hope through the promise of new treatments; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the week of May 13-19, 2018 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of Illinois to encourage residents to increase their understanding and awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to FARE in recognition of their commitment to the 15 million Americans with food allergies.