[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RESOLUTION ON POTENTIALLY LETHAL FOOD ALLERGIES

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce an important 
resolution that expresses the sense of the House regarding strategies 
to better protect the millions of Americans whose lives are at risk 
because of potentially lethal food allergies.
  The majority of the 5.2 million people who have serious and 
potentially fatal allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts, fish, 
shell fish, and tree nuts are children. These children will never 
outgrow their allergies, and there is no vaccine to prevent these 
deadly allergic reactions. All that these children can do is avoid 
eating or coming in contact in any way with peanuts, fish, shell fish, 
or tree nuts.
  Even a small trace of peanuts or shell fish can produce a severe 
allergic reaction. Many children spend their day at school in fear, 
afraid to touch a doorknob or a desktop that might have a smear of 
peanut butter.
  While it would be difficult to control the school or work 
environment, there are some steps that can be taken to protect children 
and adults from severe allergic reactions to food. For instance, major 
commercial food processors and producers should produce products on 
separate, dedicated manufacturing lines. Allergies in foods should be 
identified in terms that are clear and understandable to the average 
citizen.
  Most consumers have no idea that products labeled with ingredients 
such as ``natural flavors'' contain peanuts or that shrimp extract is 
used to enhance the flavor of frozen beef teriyaki. Any food product 
that lists ``natural flavors'' as part of the ingredients should 
specify on the package that the product includes peanuts. Foods which 
are common, life-threatening allergens should not be added gratuitously 
to products where their taste is negligible.
  Industry, consumer, and scientific groups should voluntarily work 
together on initiatives to better educate food industry workers and the 
public on issues of food allergy safety, and after one year, an 
assessment should be made of the success of these initiatives.
  Mr. Speaker, every year, about 125 people die from fatal allergic 
reactions to food in the United States, and every year the number of 
people who have potentially fatal allergic reactions to food is 
increasing. This resolution will increase awareness of the serious 
impact of severe food allergies on the American people, and the need to 
address this very important health problem.

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