"The seventh bill before me is Introductory Number 818-A, sponsored by Council Members Lappin, Brewer, Comrie, James, Koppell, Liu, Stewart, White, Gerson, Garodnick, Foster, Arroyo, Eugene, Gennaro and Weprin.  Introductory Number 818-A requires food service establishments to display a poster advising restaurant workers and servers how to meet the needs of patrons with food allergies.

"Food allergies are a topic that the Health Department takes seriously.  There are an estimated twelve million Americans that suffer from food allergies and the sides affects of such allergies range from minor itching to more serious and sometimes fatal reactions.  Avoiding the allergen is really the only way to prevent an allergic reaction, but that requires the cooperation of patrons and food service establishment personnel.  Awareness by food workers of issues related to food allergens is a step towards safer dining for affected individuals.  A poster of the type required by this legislation may reduce allergic reactions from prepared food in food service establishments by providing information on how workers can accommodate concerned diners.

"I would like to thank the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Tom Frieden and his staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."