New Warnings Could Be Required On PA Restaurant Menus

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania restaurants would be required to adopt stricter food allergy measures under legislation approved Wednesday by the state House. A similar bill is about to be introduced in the state Senate.

Introduced by a bipartisan pair of Allegheny County representatives, Democrat Arvind Venkat and Republican Natalie Mihalek, the bill requires eateries to put allergy disclaimers on their menu, install educational posters regarding food allergies in cooking areas or require restaurants to train their employees in food allergy safety.

According to Venkat and Mihalek, it is estimated that food allergies lead to about 200 deaths a year across the country. More than 33 million Americans have food allergies.

"Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by food from a restaurant or other food service establishment," the pair stated jointly. "No Pennsylvanian should have to worry for their health and safety as they attempt to enjoy a night out to eat with their family."

Similar legislation has been enacted in various other states, such as Texas, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.