Lawmakers, advocates rally at state Capitol for passage of Venkat/Mihalek bill to protect restaurant patrons with food allergies
Rep. Arvind Venkat June 11, 2025 | 1:36 PM
HARRISBURG, June 10 – Lawmakers and food allergy advocates joined forces today at the state Capitol to push for passage of legislation that would make the state’s restaurants and other food retail establishments safer for more than 1.3 million Pennsylvanians living with food allergies, according to the bill’s prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek.
Venkat, D-Allegheny, said H.B. 77 – which passed the House earlier this year with strong bipartisan support – would reduce life-threatening risks by targeting practices in higher-risk settings, including restaurants and other retail food facilities, where patrons are often unknowingly exposed to allergens.
“As an emergency physician, I have treated hundreds of patients with life-threatening allergic reactions, including many food-based reactions that could have been prevented,” Venkat said. “As a lawmaker, I know we can do more to reduce that risk.
“One important way is by mandating changes in higher-risk settings like restaurants and other food retail facilities, where cross-contamination during food preparation, failing to notify customers about the need to convey their food allergies, or a patron’s failure to alert staff of food allergies accounts for many incidents. Earlier this year, the House passed our bill that would require these businesses to increase food allergy awareness among employees and customers. It’s an important step that would save lives."
Mihalek said, “If you or someone you love suffers from food allergies, a little knowledge on the part of those who prepare and serve our foods can be the difference between life and death. The unfortunate reality is that more people are diagnosed with food allergies every day and the simple proposals in House Bill 77 are reasonable ways to provide them with confidence that their food is safe.”
Advocates from FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) also voiced their support for the bill.
“We are grateful to Representatives Venkat and Mihalek for their leadership spearheading this effort and to Kathy Briden and her family for their fierce advocacy on this issue,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN and CEO of FARE. “We believe House Bill 77 creates a mutually beneficial solution for the food allergy community and the state’s restaurants.
“With a practical law in place, individuals and families living with food allergy may be more willing to extend trust when dining out, allowing Pennsylvania restaurants to reap the economic benefits from engaging with our sizeable community. By passing this legislation, Pennsylvania will become a model state for food allergy awareness and a culinary destination for food allergy patients and families.”
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association supports the legislation, as well.
“As the association representing thousands of restaurants, bars, caterers and other hospitality businesses across Pennsylvania, PRLA recognizes the critical importance of food allergy awareness in protecting the health and safety of our guests,” said Joe Massaro, president and CEO of PRLA. “Many of our members already have strong food allergy protocols in place, while others are seeking guidance and best practices. We believe House Bill 77 supports this effort by establishing clear, reasonable standards that are not overly burdensome for operators across the commonwealth.”
Also speaking at the event was advocate Kathy Briden, whose son Matthew died after accidentally being exposed to peanuts while eating at a restaurant in Allegheny County.
House Bill 77 would require restaurants and food retail establishments to display informational posters advising employees about major food allergens and the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These businesses would also be required to include a statement on their menu or other written notice to customers about food allergens used, and a request that customers inform the employees serving them about any food allergies.
The bill passed the House in February by a strong bipartisan majority and is now in the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
It’s estimated that more than 1.3 million Pennsylvanians – including approximately 200,000 children – live with food allergies.