Springfield, IL – Food allergy sufferers in Illinois will have less stress when ordering at restaurants with a new measure sponsored by State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago). The bill will create the Food Allergy Awareness Act requiring all food establishments to have food allergy education materials provided to their staff.

An estimated 12 million people, three million of which are children, suffer from a food allergy. Most common food allergens are nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat and soy, all of which are common ingredients in restaurants. Over 50,000 emergency room admissions and roughly 150 deaths are caused each year due to allergic reactions to these and other foods. It is believed that most reactions suffered in restaurants are caused by individuals not informing restaurant staff of their allergies.

"The Food Allergy Awareness Act will help save lives and reduce costly trips to the emergency room," Silverstein said. "This measure helps educate restaurant staff on possible food allergies and the risk of reactions and also educating restaurant patrons on the importance of informing staff of their allergies."

Senate Bill 2548 will require food establishments to place a poster approved by the Department of Public Health providing general information in staff areas. Restaurant service sanitation managers will be required to watch food allergy informational videos as part of their certification process according to the Act. Finally, menus must include a notice requiring individuals to inform their server of any food allergies.

"The goal of this measure is to have individuals and eateries work together to eliminate the possibility of reactions due to food allergies while dining," Silverstein continued. "There has to be an offer of information given by both parties, as well as an increase in education, in order for these reactions to be reduced."

In 2009, Massachusetts became the first state to enact a food allergy awareness law. Restaurants across the nation are already starting to implement policies to eliminate the risk of allergic reactions and to offer a more comfortable eating experience than their competitors, resulting in a boost of sales.

Senate Bill 2548 will be considered by the General Assembly this year.