the only organization to oppose SB
409 – the Food Allergy Awareness bill, which was considered by the Health
& Government Operations Committee during the 2014 session. This legislation is expected to be reintroduced during the 2015 session.
This legislation would require two
things of all restaurants:
- Restaurants
have to ask patrons to alert servers of any food allergies prior to ordering.
- Restaurants must have
staff on premises at all times that have completed and passed allergy
certification training, to be available to discuss meal options with customers.
First time
violations include a misdemeanor and on conviction subject to fines up to
$1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail. Second violations maximum penalty is a $2,500
fine and/or one year imprisonment. Additional violations are subject to civil
penalties of up to $5,000.
The Bill
applies to the eight major food allergies: cow’s milk, egg, peanut, fish,
shellfish, soy, wheat and tree nuts (i.e., walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews).
Take Action:
- Become an NFIB member – NFIB was the only organization that opposed this bill
- If this legislation would impact your business, please share your story with NFIB by contacting Member Support Manager, Miranda Bond at [email protected] or call (866) 247-9103.