A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the legislative research commission to study requiring food establishments to post information about certain food allergies.
Whereas, approximately 322,000 North Carolinians, or 4% of the State's population, have food allergies; and
Whereas, approximately 185,000 North Carolinians, or 2.3% of the State's population, are allergic to fish, shellfish, or both; and
Whereas, approximately 88,000 North Carolinians, or 1.1% of the State's population, are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, or both; and
Whereas, peanut allergy doubled in children between 1997 and 2002; and
Whereas, 20% of individuals allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts; and
Whereas, exposure to certain food products may cause anaphylaxis (a life‑threatening allergic reaction) in persons with severe food allergies; and
Whereas, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are the food allergens most likely to cause severe, fatal allergic reactions; and
Whereas, there is no cure for food allergies, and thus the best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid consumption of the allergenic product; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study requiring the posting of a consumer advisory in establishments that prepare or serve food containing common food allergens or the food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG). In conducting the study, the Commission may consider actions proposed or taken by other states and at the federal level to increase consumer safety and food allergy awareness. The Commission may also study other issues it considers relevant to the study. The Commission may make recommendations including any proposed legislation for consideration by the 2007 General Assembly, Regular Session 2008, or by the 2009 General Assembly.
SECTION 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 2007 General Assembly, Regular Session 2008, and shall make its final report to the 2009 General Assembly upon its convening.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.