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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2024 09:39 AM |
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| From: | Representative Arvind Venkat and Rep. Natalie Mihalek |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Food Allergy Safety Legislation |
| More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and this number is only increasing. It is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by food from a restaurant or other food service establishment. No Pennsylvanian should have to worry for their health and safety as they attempt to enjoy a night out to eat with their family. Leading causes of allergic reactions in restaurants and other food establishments range from the customer not properly notifying the establishment of their allergy to cross-contamination. As it currently stands, restaurants and eating establishments are not required to present disclaimers on their menus, install educational posters regarding food allergies in cooking areas, or train their employees in food allergy safety. To address the issue of food allergy safety in restaurants, we will be introducing the attached food allergy safety legislation which will mandate menu disclaimers, educational posters, and food allergy safety training. This legislation is a companion to identical legislation shortly to be introduced in the State Senate by Senator Schwank. Similar legislation has been enacted in a variety of states including Texas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. In our previous legislative session, the State House passed this bill with wide bipartisan support (attached). Please join us in co-sponsoring this vital bill to reduce the social stigma and anxiety faced by people with food allergies and make our Commonwealth’s restaurants safer, more welcoming places. |
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Memo Updated: December 2, 2024 09:40 AM