WHEREAS, As many as 15 million people in the United States have a food allergy; and

WHEREAS, Research indicates the prevalence of food allergies is increasing among children. Nearly six million children under 18 years of age have a food allergy; and

WHEREAS, The eight foods that cause the majority 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, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies result in more than 200,000 ambulatory care visits a year involving children under 18 years of age. Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which he or she is allergic; and

WHEREAS, There is no cure for a food allergy, and scientists do not understand why that is. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and

WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies and to providing them with hope through the promise of new treatments; now, therefore, be it