BILL NUMBER: S4591

SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to establish a pilot program related to making
the gluten content of food available at certain state owned, operated,
or leased cafeterias; and providing for the repeal of such provisions
upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE:

To provide safety for those with food allergies who are served through
owned, operated or leased state businesses.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section One of the bill creates a pilot program making the gluten
content of food available at certain state cafeterias, and providing for
repeal upon expiration thereof.

Section Two provides this act shall take effect on the one hundred
eightieth day after it shall become law, and shall expire and be deemed
              

repealed three years after such date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

This bill will create a pilot program to make available the gluten
content of foods served in certain cafeterias owned by the state.
Pursuant to this legislation, the state shall clearly and conspicuously
post and make available all information regarding the gluten content of
foods being served and shall have an employee available during the hours
of operation with the capacity to identify gluten-free food or beverag-
es.

Approximately 15% of the United States population suffers from gluten
intolerance of one form or another, ranging from gluten sensitivity to
Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the
small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
Celiac disease affects people in all parts of the world.

Originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease is
now known to be a common genetic disorder. It is also becoming more
prevalent, as gluten is now used in a far wider variety of foods than in
previous years. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a
protein present in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in
foods, but may also be found in everyday products such as medi-
cines,vitamins and lip balms.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be disabling and require
sufferers to spend large amounts of time and money treating the disease
or syndrome. This bill will create a pilot program designed to reduce
the suffering of sufferers who patronize state-owned cafeterias as a way
to determine the ultimate cost and feasibility of instilling gluten
labeling requirements in all state owned, leased and operated eating
establishments.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2017-18: 53437 - Passed the Senate, Delivered to the Assembly
2015-2016: S.1731/A.6851 - Referred to Health
2013-2014: S.3094A/A.7627A - Died in Finance / Referred to Ways &
Means 2011-2012: S. 1124 - Referred to Health
2010: S.7460 - Referred to Health

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall become law, and shall expire and be deemed repealed three years
after such date.