Children are the largest group affected by food allergies. Researchers estimate that approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies. Symptoms can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and swelling of the throat.

Eight foods cause ninety percent of all food allergy reactions. These foods are shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat. All packaged foods manufactured or sold in Alaska that are regulated by the state must identify the major food allergens in the label. Beware of home processed foods or packaged foods sold without a label.

There is no cure for potentially fatal food allergies. Strict avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent a reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction involving major organs in the body simultaneously. In severely allergic individuals it can cause death in a matter of minutes.

Eating in restaurants and at school are the situations posing the highest risk for people with food allergies. Often, wait staff and cafeteria staff are not aware of the ingredients used to prepare the food they are serving, and they are unprepared to handle a reaction.

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis network (FAAN) is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about food allergies and anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim May 13-19, 2007, as:

Food Allergy Awareness Week

in Alaska, and encourage the citizens of Alaska to learn about food allergies and anaphylaxis reactions.

Dated: April 10, 2007
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