REFERENCE TITLE: food allergies; awareness week |
State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature First Regular Session 2013
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SR 1002 |
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Introduced by Senators Lopez, Bradley: Cajero Bedford, Landrum Taylor, McGuire, Tovar
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A RESOLUTION
proclaiming the week of may 12, 2013 as food allergy and anaphylaxis awareness week in arizona.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, fifteen million Americans, including nine million adults and six million children, have food allergies; and
Whereas, research shows that the prevalence of food allergies is increasing among children at epidemic rates; and
Whereas, the eight foods that cause 90% of all food allergy reactions in the United States are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat; and
Whereas, symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and swelling of the throat; and
Whereas, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and
Whereas, depending on the source, food allergy reactions have been estimated to cause 300,000 visits to the emergency room in the United States each year; and
Whereas, there is no cure for potentially fatal food allergies, and scientists cannot explain the cause for the epidemic number of food allergy sufferers. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and
Whereas, eating in restaurants and at schools poses the highest risk for people with food allergies; and
Whereas, restaurant and cafeteria staff members are often not aware of the ingredients used in preparing food and may not be prepared to handle a patron who has an allergic reaction; and
Whereas, the Arizona Food Allergy Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies and anaphylaxis.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the Senate proclaim the week of May 12, 2013 as Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness Week in Arizona and encourage schools, restaurants, businesses and the citizens of Arizona to become educated about the serious, life-threatening nature of food allergies and how we as a community can work together to save lives.