College members have an opportunity to support legislation that would benefit those living with food allergies and related disorders.
The “Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021” (H.R. 1202) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 18, and may soon be voted on.
ACAAI, along with other allergy advocacy organizations, strongly supports this bill. A very similar bill was passed unanimously in the Senate on March 3, and College leaders believe the House version has an excellent chance of passing as well.
The stated purpose of the legislation is to “improve the health and safety of Americans living with food allergies and related disorders, including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases, and for other purposes.”
The FASTER Act is probably best known for its provision that sesame be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods. In addition, the act would support information collection and scientific research related to food allergens and severity of allergic reactions, and would put in place provisions for future improvements to food labeling. The act also requires a report on federal activities related to prevention and treatment.
Please join the College in urging your representative in the House to support H.R. 1202.
