May 8-14, 2022: Food Allergy Awareness Week

WHEREAS, as many as 32 million Americans have food allergies; nearly 6 million are children under the age of 18; and,

WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergy is increasing among children and adults; and,

WHEREAS, nine foods cause the majority of all food allergy reactions in the U.S.: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat and sesame. Symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, such as anaphylaxis; and,

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and,

WHEREAS, each year an estimated 200,000 Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to food. Reactions typically occur when an individual unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic; and,

WHEREAS, emergency medical treatment for severe allergic reactions to food has increased by 380 percent in only a decade; and,

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 8-14, 2022 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of Michigan and encourage the residents of Michigan to increase their understanding and awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.