STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

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Whereas, New York State places the highest priority on addressing health matters that affect its citizens and continuously works to increase awareness of the many health concerns facing people today such as the dangers presented by severe allergies, including anaphylaxis – an adverse and potentially fatal reaction to ingested foods;  and
           
Whereas, anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that simultaneously affects major organs and can cause death within a matter of minutes in severely allergic individuals;  and

Whereas, approximately 150 Americans die each year due to anaphylaxis, many of the deaths resulting from the consumption of a food product containing an ingredient the person was allergic to and unfortunately unaware of;  and
           
Whereas, researchers estimate that 12 million Americans have food allergies, with children being the largest group affected, and symptoms can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and swelling of the throat;  and
           
Whereas, eight specific foods are found to cause 90% of food allergy reactions – shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat – while many others have a lesser correlation to allergic reactions;  and
           
Whereas, restaurants and schools are the environments that present highest threat of danger for people with food allergies, since people are not fully aware of the ingredients used in the preparation of foods served and the staff of employees are often unprepared to handle an allergic reaction;  and
           
Whereas, there is no cure for potentially fatal food allergies and strict avoidance of dangerous foods is the only way to prevent a reaction and its potentially tragic results;  and
           
Whereas, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about food allergies and anaphylaxis, and New Yorkers join to support the goals of Food Allergy Awareness Week which seeks to preserve and protect the lives and health of those who have one or more severe food allergies;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 10-16, 2009 as

FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this first day of May in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor