Millions of Americans struggle with fatal food allergies. Whenever they go out to eat, a mere lack of knowledge about a single ingredient can lead to very serious consequences.

Senior Lara Parikh recently spoke out about this issue by petitioning for a state bill called the SB 68 ADDE. As someone who has had a life-threatening peanut allergy for most of her life, Parikh feels strongly about this issue and wanted to take action.

 “Enjoying my food over fearing it is something that I really prioritize and [something that] I wish I could have done more of,” Parikh said.

SB 68 ADDE requires all restaurants in California to clearly state the top nine allergens in each dish digitally, on their menus, or on a printout.

“[The bill] would bring a greater sense of security to all of [the] members of the food allergy community,” Parikh said.

   As the policy coordinator for the bill, Parikh served as the voice of the Bay Area and took multiple steps to help spread awareness of this issue. Her responsibilities included contacting restaurants, garnering support from friends and family, and reaching out to California Assembly members and staffers. 

   In addition, Parikh worked with other advocates to persuade civics classes in schools to do a project on SB 68 to help promote the bill and the importance of the issue. 

   The bill has made great progress over the past few months.

   “It just passed the Assembly and Senate,” Parikh said. “So, our last step is Governor Gavin Newsom. If he approves [the bill], it’s good for the state…It’s really exciting news.”

   Parikh travelled to Sacramento this past summer to testify for the bill at the California Capitol. During this experience, she was extremely inspired by a group of younger children who were also standing up for food allergy awareness.

   “[The children] were very excited, and they’re very passionate about getting this bill passed,” Parikh said. “I could see the Assembly members’ faces light up, and I knew that this bill would be our future.”

   Parikh emphasized that she’s only getting started and that she plans to continue to advocate for food allergies, as her experience thus far has been eye-opening.

   “I felt like I wasn’t alone. Living with a severe allergy is a very isolating experience, and even though you’re conscious of other people…seeing them in person and seeing them rally for a cause that’s bigger than myself was really empowering,” Parikh said.