Carroll Sesame Food Allergy Bill Advances to Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, made life safer for people with sesame allergies by passing a bill ensuring allergy information was clearly and correctly labeled on foods containing sesame. His legislation awaits the governor’s signature to become
law.

“Food allergies can pose huge health risks, especially to children. However, it is well within our control to minimize the danger,” Carroll said. “As a father of a child with a food allergy, I know how critical labelling food can be. By ensuring people know what they might be eating, we can help keep at-risk members of our communities safe.”

Carroll is leading the charge to modernize food labeling in Illinois with his House Bill 2123, which would require companies producing any food products containing sesame to clearly indicate that on the product packaging. The goal behind this comprehensive proposal is to set a
trend not only in Illinois, but across the nation to help inform consumers about what food they purchase. Carroll’s bill successfully passed the General Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support, and is with Gov. J.B. Pritzker for consideration.

“This can be a very difficult problem to deal with, and, without proper precautions, disaster can strike without warning,” Carroll said. “Some people who have not experienced food allergies first-hand don’t know the constant worry they can bring. When people cannot trust the food they are eating, or parents cannot trust what their children are eating, it presents a challenge. This legislation will ease the minds of tens of thousands of Illinoisans, including mine.”