Food Allergy Awareness Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, as more than 33 million Americans have food allergies; nearly 6 million are children under the age of 18; and

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

WHEREAS, nine foods cause most of all food allergy reactions in the United States: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame, with symptoms ranging 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 3.3 million Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to food with reactions typically occurring 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 377 percent in the last decade; and

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

WHEREAS, education and awareness will improve the health and quality of life of individuals with food allergies and provide hope;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn A. Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 14-20, 2023, as FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations