FARE has issued an advisory regarding the effect of the current partial shutdown of the Federal Government on those with food allergies.
In summary:
- USDA and FDA Recalls Due to Undeclared Allergens – These may be delayed or halted until normal government operations resume due to staff furloughs;
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children – Federal funding for this program has been halted, but many states will continue to fund current WIC participants for a short time until their funds are depleted;
- Status of the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act – This legislation was due for consideration before the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee on October 2, but the review has been postponed until further notice due to reduced staffing;
- Government Funded Clinical Trials – These are expected to proceed but are limited in their ability to recruit new patients.
Yes, these are trying times indeed.
