Allergies come in all shapes and sizes ...
Just like allergy sufferers. And they are on the rise. For many people allergies can range from sniffling and sneezing to skin rashes to gastrointestinal issues. A certain percentage, however, have more than these uncomfortable symptoms to deal with. Anaphylaxis, a serious life-threatening reaction, causes approximately 1,500 deaths a year in the United States alone. Clearly, allergies are nothing to sneeze at!
Articles for Advocacy
Dave Bloom at SnackSafely.com regularly provides timely information to families with life-threatening food allergies.
Study: Anaphylaxis Spikes During Halloween and Easter
By Dave Bloom
October 1st, 2020
A study published on September 21st, 2020 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal determined that anaphylaxis in children spikes during Halloween and Easter and that for tree nuts, most cases occurred in children that were previously undiagnosed.
Co-authors Dr. Melanie Leung and Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan provided the rationale for conducting the study:
Identifying certain times associated with an increased risk of anaphylaxis could help to raise community awareness, support and vigilance. This information would identify the best timing for public awareness campaigns to prevent allergic reactions.
This year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made important decisions affecting all Americans. Improving all package labelling to better informing consumers about food allergens is a major priority for our association.
Advocacy Update: FDA Moves Forward on Sesame Labeling
Kids With Food Allergies**
On Oct. 5, 2020
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent proposed guidance “Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame as an Allergen: Guidance for Industry” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. While this voluntary guidance falls short of the mandatory sesame allergen labeling that we have been advocating for, we feel it is a promising step in the right direction. This is a result of the FDA’s 2018 request for comments from the public on sesame allergy and their review of those comments from the food allergy community.
After many months of activism and advocacy, important legislation is progressing through the US Congress helping central schools across America better protect and support students at risk for dangerous allergic reactions.
U.S. House of Representatives Passes H.R. 2468
October 10th, 2020
Allergy & Asthma Network today applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act, H.R. 2468 — but our work is not done!
The legislation, long a priority for Allergy & Asthma Network and a host of health and patient organizations, now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The Network will continue its advocacy efforts, urging passage of the bill before the end of the year so it becomes law.
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