Elijah’s Law
Elijah's Law is named after Elijah Silvera, a 3-year-old boy who tragically died from anaphylaxis after consuming a meal with undeclared allergens at his childcare center. It is legislation designed to enhance food safety in childcare settings and schools, particularly regarding food allergies. Enacted in various states, this law aims to:
1. Improve Allergy Awareness: It requires schools to implement measures to better manage food allergies, including training staff on recognizing and responding to allergic reactions.
2. Ensure Accurate Labeling: The law mandates that all food served in schools must have clear labeling of allergens, helping to prevent accidental exposure.
3. Develop Allergy Management Plans: Schools are required to create and follow comprehensive plans for handling students with food allergies, including procedures for emergency responses.
4. Promote Parent and Staff Communication: The law encourages better communication between parents and schools about students' food allergies and ensures that school staff are informed about the necessary precautions.
Elijah's Law is an important step in creating safer environments for students with food allergies, aiming to prevent tragedies and ensure that all children can learn and participate in school activities without the risk of serious allergic reactions.
Elijah's Law has not been enacted in Massachusetts. However, there are ongoing discussions and legislative efforts related to improving food allergy safety in schools across various states, including Massachusetts. As of 2024, Elijah’s Law has been passed in 4 states: Illinois, Maryland, New York and Virginia. It has also been introduced in 6 states this year: California, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
One preventable death of a child is one too many. I am an avid supporter of The Elijah-Alavi Foundation and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and I am actively advocating to get Elijah’s Law passed in Massachusetts. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to create change, but all too often it does.
Download the Elijah’s Law Fact Sheet here and join me in reaching out to our state legislators and encouraging them to enact Elijah’s Law in MA.
