Pennsylvania House Committee Takes Action: New Bill Mandates Food Allergy Warnings to Protect Consumers

A recent bill in Pennsylvania aims to enhance the safety of diners with food allergies. The House committee has pushed forward a proposal requiring restaurants to display warnings about food allergy risks. This initiative arises from alarming statistics: over 33 million Americans have food allergies, which contribute to about 200 deaths each year. Shockingly, nearly half of these fatal reactions occur due to food from restaurants or similar venues.

Sponsored by state Representatives Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek, House Bill 77 seeks to protect those with food allergies. The bill mandates that food establishments post eye-catching posters in their service areas, warning customers about food allergies. Additionally, menus and other printed materials must include allergy warnings, helping to communicate crucial information to patrons.

Rep. Venkat, a physician, highlights the seriousness of food allergies as a growing concern. He shared a heartbreaking story about a child from his district who tragically died due to accidental allergen exposure in a restaurant. This emphasizes the need for better education and awareness among restaurant staff.

“This is a simple change that could have a big impact,” said Mihalek. She noted that other states like Texas and Massachusetts have already implemented similar measures.

The bill was previously approved by the House but stalled in the Senate. This time, it gained support, with a significant vote from the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. However, opinions within the committee were divided. Some representatives expressed concerns that additional regulations might burden small businesses, citing that many already provide allergy information through various means, like QR codes for easy access.

Rep. Stephanie Borowicz acknowledged existing efforts by restaurants but worried about the government creating unnecessary regulatory hurdles. Rep. Joe Hamm agreed, stressing the hardships small businesses face under increased regulations.

To address these concerns, Venkat reassured that the legislation would protect businesses from liability as long as they follow the guidelines for displaying allergy information.

In addition to food allergy regulations, another piece of legislation advanced allows anyone legally working in the U.S. to become a certified poultry technician after completing a state course. This move aims to combat threats like avian influenza and address workforce challenges in the poultry industry.

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who introduced this bill, emphasized the increasing need for trained poultry technicians as the industry faces health risks. However, some legislators raised questions about granting certification to noncitizens, viewing it as overreach.

Despite differing viewpoints, both bills highlight significant public health issues and efforts to enhance safety standards, showcasing a dynamic discussion about how best to achieve these goals in Pennsylvania.