Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10-16, 2026, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Urges the Governor to proclaim May 10–16, 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in New York to educate the public, schools, and restaurants about allergy risks and emergency prepared

REFERRED TO CALENDAR

Purpose and intent

The bill is Assembly Resolution No. 1311 (K 1311) from the New York State Assembly, sponsored by the Rules Committee (A. Burdick).

Its sole purpose is to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10–16, 2026, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in New York, aligning with National Food Allergy Awareness Week.

It emphasizes raising public awareness of food allergies and the importance of education for schools, restaurants, and the general public.

Key provisions and changes

Formal memorialization request: The resolution urges the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring May 10–16, 2026, as Food Allergy Awareness Week in New York.

Alignment with national observance: It connects the state observance to the national awareness week.

Background statements (contextual information): Provides a detailed overview of food allergy prevalence, risks, and emergency considerations to justify the awareness effort. Specific points include:

About 4% of the U.S. population has food allergies; 50,000–125,000 ER visits annually due to allergic reactions.
National figures: 32 million Americans with food allergies; 5.6 million children under 18; increasing prevalence among children.
Common co-occurring conditions: children with allergies are more likely to have asthma or eczema; roughly 40% have multiple food allergies; about 40% have experienced severe reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis).
Major allergen categories: eight main allergens—shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat.
Symptoms and consequences: hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, throat swelling; emergency care needs; examples of severity (anaphylaxis).
Treatment notes: no cure; avoidance as prevention; epinephrine as the life-saving treatment during reactions.

Scope of impact (informational focus): Aims to educate schools, restaurants, and the public about the severity and life-threatening nature of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Who or what would be affected

State recognition and awareness activities: The proclamation would be issued by the Governor to designate a specific week in May 2026 for Food Allergy Awareness.

Public stakeholders: Schools, restaurants, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public in New York State, through heightened awareness and educational emphasis during the proclaimed week.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Calendar on May 8, 2026, indicating the bill is awaiting further legislative steps (as a memorializing resolution, the primary action is to urge the Governor to issue a proclamation).

No substantive statutory changes: The resolution does not create new programs or funding; it requests executive action (proclamation) from the Governor.

Timeline reference: Proclamation sought for May 10–16, 2026, aligning with National Food Allergy Awareness Week. The effective impact would occur if the Governor issues the proclamation within that timeframe.

Potential impact

Public awareness: May increase knowledge about food allergies, recognition of symptoms, and the importance of emergency preparedness (e.g., carrying and using epinephrine).

Education and safety: Could prompt schools and eateries to reinforce allergy-related policies and accommodations during the designated week.

No fiscal or regulatory changes: The bill does not authorize spending or regulatory modifications; its impact depends on the Governor’s proclamation and accompanying public outreach initiatives.