House Bills - 108th Congress

H.R. 3684—The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2003

On December 8. 2003, Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced H.R. 3684, a bill to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish food labeling requirements with respect to allergenic substances in foods, and for other purposes. In addition to food labeling issues, provisions would require the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of NIH, to convene an ad hoc panel of nationally recognized experts in allergy and immunology to review current basic and clinical research efforts related to food allergies. Further, not later than one year after the date of enactment, the panel would be required to make recommendations to the Secretary for enhancing and coordinating food allergies research activities; the Secretary in turn must make these recommendations public. H.R. 3684, which has 14 cosponsors, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.