Proclamation - Food Allergy Awareness Week

PROCLAMATION
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK
MAY 8-14, 2005

WHEREAS, hundreds of Americans die each year of food-induced anaphylaxis, caused by unknowingly eating a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and
WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the body's major organs simultaneously and can cause death within minutes; and
WHEREAS, researchers estimate that 6 to 7 million Americans have food allergies, with children making up the largest group; and
WHEREAS, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat cause 90 percent of all food allergy reactions; and
WHEREAS, eating at restaurants and schools are the situations posing the highest risk for people with food allergies, with staff unaware of ingredients and unprepared to handle allergic reactions; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure for potentially fatal food allergies; strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to avoid a reaction; and
NOW, THEREFORE, as Governor of the State of North Dakota, I do hereby proclaim
May 8-14, 2005, FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK in the state of North Dakota.
/s/
John Hoeven
Governor
Attest:
/s/
Alvin A. Jaeger
Secretary of State

http://www.governor.state.nd.us/proc/docs/2005/05/20050508b.pdf