[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 584 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 584

Expressing support for the designation of May 11, 2014, through May 17, 
                 2014, as Food Allergy Awareness Week.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 13, 2014

 Mr. Israel (for himself, Mr. McCaul, and Mr. Ryan of Ohio) submitted 
the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy 
                              and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for the designation of May 11, 2014, through May 17, 
                 2014, as Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Whereas as many as 15,000,000 people in the United States, including nearly 
        6,000,000 children under the age of 18, have food allergies, which are 
        potentially life-threatening;
Whereas data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a 
        50-percent increase in the prevalence of food allergies in children 
        under age 18 from 1997 to 2011;
Whereas there is no cure for food allergy and limited understanding of the 
        underlying reasons for the increase in prevalence of food allergies 
        among children;
Whereas 8 foods, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and 
        wheat, cause 90 percent of all food allergy reactions in the United 
        States;
Whereas strict avoidance of offending foods is the only way to prevent an 
        allergic reaction;
Whereas reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food 
        containing an ingredient to which they are allergic;
Whereas the symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, 
        respiratory distress, swelling of the throat, anaphylaxis, and death;
Whereas anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and 
        may cause death;
Whereas according to the CDC, food allergy results in more than 300,000 
        ambulatory care visits a year involving children under age 18;
Whereas those with food allergies and parents of children with food allergies 
        develop plans for food allergy management that include prompt access to 
        epinephrine;
Whereas Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a national, nonprofit 
        organization dedicated to finding a cure for food allergies, and to keep 
        individuals with food allergies safe and included, recognizes and 
        supports Food Allergy Awareness Week during May of every calendar year;
Whereas outreach and education to the public may improve the response to an 
        allergic reaction;
Whereas public awareness of food allergies may also enhance the commitment to 
        research to understand the causes for food allergies and interventions 
        for allergic reaction; and
Whereas this year Food Allergy Awareness Week is recognized during the week of 
        May 11, 2014, through May 17, 2014: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of Food Allergy Awareness 
        Week;
            (2) encourages the President to issue a proclamation in 
        support of the goals and ideals of Food Allergy Awareness Week;
            (3) encourages States, territories, possessions of the 
        United States, and localities to support the goals and ideals 
        of Food Allergy Awareness Week;
            (4) encourages media organizations to participate in Food 
        Allergy Awareness Week and help educate the public about food 
        allergies;
            (5) recognizes and reaffirms the Nation's commitment to 
        research the causes of food allergies, interventions for 
        allergic reactions, and the best way to prevent individuals 
        from having reactions; and
            (6) recognizes all people in the United States living with 
        food allergies, expresses gratitude to their family members and 
        friends who are a source of love and protection to them, and 
        salutes the health care professionals, teachers, and other 
        caregivers and medical researchers who provide assistance to 
        those so affected.
                                 <all>