CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

97

CHAPTER 129

Statutes of 2025

Introduced by Senators Valladares and Pérez

(Coauthor: Senator Menjivar)

May 12, 2025

Relative to food allergy awareness.

Fiscal committee: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

This measure would declare May as Food Allergy Awareness Month and would encourage all Californians to increase their understanding of food allergies, support preventative practices, and learn how to respond in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

WHEREAS, An estimated 33 million people in the United States are living with food allergies, a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that food allergies are increasingly common among children, with an estimated 6 million youth under 18 years of age, approximately 2 students in every classroom, are affected by one or more food allergies; and

WHEREAS, The nine most common food allergens, which are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame, are responsible for 90 percent of all allergic reactions in the United States; and

WHEREAS, A food allergy is caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein, an allergen, as a threat, leading to the release of antibodies that trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe anaphylaxis; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms of a food allergy may include tingling of the mouth, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness, or death; and

WHEREAS, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least two in five children, or 40 percent, have been treated in the emergency department for a food allergy reaction; and

WHEREAS, Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapid-onset allergic reaction that can impact multiple systems in the body within minutes of exposure and may be fatal without immediate intervention; and

WHEREAS, There is no cure for food allergies, the only treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine, and the only proven prevention is complete avoidance of the triggering allergen; and

WHEREAS, Education, public awareness, and continued investment in scientific research are critical to improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with food allergies; and

WHEREAS, Zacky Muñoz, a student from California, has become a leading national voice in food allergy advocacy, using his platform to bring attention to the urgent need for stronger policies that protect children with life-threatening allergies; and

WHEREAS, Through his courage, vision, and relentless pursuit of change, Zacky is helping to shape legislation that prioritizes safety, expands access to life-saving treatment, and paves the way for a more secure future for individuals and families affected by food allergies; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature encourages all Californians to increase their understanding of food allergies, support preventative practices, and learn how to respond in the event of a severe allergic reaction; and be it further

Resolved, That May is Food Allergy Awareness Month; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.