Food Allergy Awareness Week

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, as many as 15 million Americans have food allergies; nearly six million are children under the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing among children; and
WHEREAS, eight foods cause the majority of all food allergy reactions in the U.S.: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat. Symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and swelling of the throat; and
WHEREAS, food allergy results in more than 200,000 Emergency Department visits each year. Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure for food allergy, and scientists do not understand why. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction; and
WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and
WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the week of May 14th through May 20th, 2017, as
Food Allergy Awareness Week
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor