WHEREAS, more than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and 5.6 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 the majority of all food allergy reactions in the United States: fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, and sesame; symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis; and,
WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious, rapid onset allergic reaction that may cause death; and,
WHEREAS, each year, an estimated 200,000 Americans require emergency room treatment for symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Reactions often occur when a person ingests food they thought was safe; and,
WHEREAS, emergency medical procedures for severe allergic reactions to food increased by 380 percent between 2007 to 2016; and,
WHEREAS, food allergies are expensive, costing the American economy more than $25 billion each year; and,
WHEREAS, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of individuals with food allergies, and providing them hope through the promise of new treatments;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 11 – 17, 2025, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Michigan.
Check out the FARE website for more information: foodallergy.org.
If you are allergic to a particular food, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Itchy mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
- Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain
- Hives (welts), itchy rashes
- Persistent eczema
- Tightening of the throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing
- Sneezing, hoarseness, nasal congestion
- Drop in blood pressure, fainting, weak pulse
- A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis which can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you're allergic to. Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting. Anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and a follow-up trip to an emergency room. If you don't have epinephrine, you need to go to an emergency room immediately. If anaphylaxis isn't treated right away, it can be fatal.