May 14-20, 2023: Food Allergy Awareness Week

WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and 5.6 million are children under the age of 18; and,

WHEREAS, research shows that the prevalence of food allergies are increasing among children and adults; and,

WHEREAS, nine foods cause the majority of all food allergy reactions in the United States: shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame; symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis; and,

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

WHEREAS, each year, an estimated 200,000 Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reactions. Reactions often occur when a person ingests food they thought was safe; and,

WHEREAS, emergency medical procedures for severe allergic reactions to food increased by 380 percent between 2007 to 2016; and, 

WHEREAS, food allergies are expensive, costing the American economy more than $25 billion each year; and, 

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14 – 20, 2023, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Michigan.