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Suject: Congress must increase funding for food allergy research

Please support increased federal funding for food allergy research. Food allergies severely impair the quality of life for allergic children and their parents. The most common allergens – peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, eggs, milk and soy – are staples of our food supply and nearly impossible to avoid completely. Yet the medical consequences of coming into contact with allergy-inducing foods are dire – not only do food allergies kill many Americans each year, but they are also responsible for 125,000 emergency room visits. More than 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies today.

Food allergy research is woefully underfunded. The federal government spends less than $17 million a year on food allergy research. But for reasons that scientists cannot yet explain, food allergies afflict more and more children each year. Between 1997 and 2002, the number of children in the United States suffering from peanut allergies doubled – and now afflicts an average of 10 children in every elementary school. There are currently no medications to cure or control food allergies, but scientists believe a cure could be found within a decade with greater funding.

Please help millions of children and families -- be a leader in Congress to devote more funding to food allergy research.