<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Thought you might find this interesting concerning the food labeling bill: Dear.........: Thank you for contacting me regarding food labeling. I appreciate the benefit of your views on this issue. I understand and share the concerns that you have raised about consumer protections. As you know, there is no cure for food allergies, and approximately 150 people die every year as a result of exposure to foods to which they are allergic. The only way for sufferers to avoid a potentially life-threatening reaction is to conscientiously read ingredient labels. For that reason, it is imperative that manufacturers provide accurate, easily understood information about what their foods contain. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has outlined steps for manufacturers to follow in order to ensure that allergens are declared on food labels, and some manufacturers have adopted voluntary labeling standards. You will be pleased to know that during the 107th Congress, I joined Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Hillary Rodham-Clinton (D-NY) in cosponsoring S. 2499, the Food Allergen Consumer Protection Act. Senate bill 2499 would have amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to mandate that any flavoring, coloring, or spice derived from known allergens, meats, poultry, or fish be listed on product packaging. This bill also required manufacturers to list all allergens using easily understood, non-scientific terms. In September of 2002, S. 2499 was reported favorably out of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, of which I am a member. The bill was amended in committee and reintroduced as S. 3001. Unfortunately, the substitute amendment removed gluten from the list of allergens, directing the FDA to develop a rule for voluntary gluten free labeling and authorizing studies on the need for mandatory gluten labels. While I applaud the voluntary steps taken by some manufacturers, I also believe that legislation is necessary to establish a universal standard for the entire industry. The bottom line is that such an effort could save lives. Gluten is a common allergen, with serious health consequences for those individuals at risk. I believe that comprehensive food labeling legislation should include gluten as an allergen. Despite the gluten omission, on balance, I supported S. 2499 because I believe that it was an important first step in reforming our nation's food labeling regulations. While S. 2499 was not brought to the floor for consideration prior to the adjournment of the 107th Congress, I am hopeful that this legislation will be reintroduced during the 108th Congress. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as we continue to discuss this important issue. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please do not hesitate to do so in the future if I may be of any assistance. Sincerely, CHRISTOPHER J. DODD United States Senator * Please carefully compose your subject lines in all posts *