A triumphant moment for the food allergy community unfolded on September 1st, 2023, as the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act officially took effect. This monumental legislation, a result of collaborative efforts involving several Texas Allergists, A testimony from McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic Board-Certified Allergists and Immunologist Dr. Serge de Golovine, Committee members from GHAAIS and TAAIS, as well as the dedicated lobbying team of Eric Woomer and Gertie Wilson, mandates the prominent display of standardized posters in all food service establishments, provided by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act
Originally known as House Bill 1447 and sponsored by Representative Cortez, the bill garnered crucial support during its journey through the Texas Capital earlier this year. The legislation addresses the pressing need for heightened awareness of food allergens in restaurants, food handler and manager certifications, and food service training and education programs. In May, the bill successfully passed as the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act (SB 812), ushering in a new era of safety and awareness in the food service industry.
The legislation mandates that restaurants prominently display DSHS-provided posters featuring essential information on significant food allergens, symptoms, preventative measures, and appropriate responses to allergic reactions. Additionally, food training programs and the food handler/manager certification exam must align with the allergen information outlined on the DSHS poster.
Dr. De Golovine, a distinguished board-certified Allergist and Immunologist associated with the McGovern Allergy Clinic in Houston, provided his testimony and expressed his optimism regarding the impact of this groundbreaking legislation. “At McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic, our team is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive food allergy care and education. The passage of this bill not only enhances the safety of dining out for individuals with food allergies but also catalyzes fostering greater food allergy awareness among the general public.”
With the enactment of the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, Dr. De Golovine envisions a significant reduction in the risk of cross-contamination within restaurants and heightened public awareness regarding food allergies.
For additional details about SB 812 and the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, interested parties can refer to the official Texas legislative website.
About McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Since its establishment in 1956, McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic has been a cornerstone in Houston, Texas’s allergy and asthma care field. The clinic boasts a team of board-certified physicians specializing in adult and pediatric immunology, providing compassionate patient care focusing on diagnosing and managing allergic diseases. Today, the clinic stands proud with a roster of highly skilled and board-certified physicians dedicated to adult and pediatric immunology. Leveraging their wealth of experience and expertise, these physicians are unwaveringly committed to delivering top-notch care to individuals from Texas and various states and countries worldwide. For more information, visit mcgovernallergy.com