THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

122

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO PROCLAIM THE SECOND WEEK OF may of each year "FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK".

 

 

WHEREAS, hundreds of Americans die each year due to food-induced anaphylaxis. The deaths are caused by individuals unknowingly eating a food containing an ingredient to which they were allergic; and

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction involving major organs in the body simultaneously. In severely allergic individuals, it can cause death in a matter of minutes; and

WHEREAS, children are the largest group affected by food allergies. Researchers estimate that six million to seven million Americans have food allergies. Symptoms can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and swelling of the throat; and

WHEREAS, eight foods cause ninety per cent of all food allergy reactions. These foods are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat; and

WHEREAS, eating in restaurants and at school are the situations posing the highest risk for people with food allergies. Oftentimes, wait staff and cafeteria staff are not aware of the ingredients used to prepare the food they are serving, and they are unprepared to handle an allergic reaction; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for potentially fatal food allergies. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to avoid a reaction; and

WHEREAS, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about food allergies and anaphylaxis, a potentially life threatening allergic reaction; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, House of Representatives concurring, that the Governor is respectfully requested to proclaim the second week of each May "Food Allergy Awareness Week" in the State of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of Health.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Food Allergy