While Pennsylvania addresses the treatment of anaphylaxis, the U.S. Senate is weighing legislation to prevent it. Senators are considering a proposal that would increase the amount of fine print on food packages and raise public awareness about safe food preparation to eliminate allergic risks.
"Reliable information about food content ... is absolutely essential to children and parents seeking to avoid potentially fatal reactions," said Sen. Ted Kennedy, (D-Mass.), sponsor of the bill, which was voted out of the Senate's Health, Education Labor and Pensions Committee Sept. 25.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (S.3001) would force food companies to label packaged foods with a complete list of all major allergens. Eight major allergen groups would be covered: crustacean shellfish and fish, eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts and wheat.
The bill also steps up government inspection to make sure manufacturers avoid cross-contact (in which small amounts of allergens are transferred on food production lines used for different products) and calls for guidelines on preparing allergy-free foods in restaurants, delicatessens, bakeries and school cafeterias.
Among other provisions, the bill calls for the Food and Drug Administration to examine "may contain" labeling. Major manufacturers, such as General Mills and Hershey Foods, voluntarily warn consumers that trace amounts of allergens may be present in some of their products, due to shared production lines.
If passed, the law would order an FDA rule to provide for voluntary "gluten-free" labeling. It would also direct the FDA to work with states to address food allergies in the Food Code used in retail food establishments. A data base on the prevalence, treatment and prevention of food allergies would also be created.
The frozen foods industry is balking at the bill's reporting requirements. The Food Allergy network, a consumer coalition, is making passage of the bill a top priority. A similar bill introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) is pending in the House's Subcommittee on Health (HR 4704).
-- Christine H. O'Toole
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