September 30, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allergic Emma Applauds California’s Passage of Elijah’s Law to Protect Children with Food Allergies

*Gov. Newsom Signs Life-Saving Bill to Enforce Critical Safety Measures in Schools and Childcare Settings* 

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (September 30, 2024) – Allergic Emma, a leading advocate for food allergy safety, celebrates the signing of Elijah’s Law (AB2317) by Governor Gavin Newsom, a groundbreaking bill designed to protect children with life-threatening food allergies in schools and childcare environments across California. Elijah’s Law establishes strict safety protocols and emergency response measures, aiming to prevent allergic reactions and fatalities like that of 3-year-old Elijah Silvera, whose tragic death in 2017 sparked a national movement for change. 

“Allergic Emma is so happy that Elijah’s Law is now real in California! Kids like me can go to school and daycare and be safer,” said Emma, the young face behind Allergic Emma, who herself has multiple severe food allergies. 

“Finding safe childcare for Emma has always been a challenge,” said Emma’s mom, Rose Melin. “Surprisingly, not all childcare facilities know or are willing to take proper precautions to care for children with food allergies. Some are not even aware of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.”

Before attending daycare and school, Emma’s family went through an exhaustive process to ensure that staff were aware of and could manage her allergies safely. This concern is shared by thousands of families across the state. Now, thanks to Elijah’s Law, California schools and childcare facilities will be required to follow comprehensive guidelines, including staff training on allergy management, creating allergy-safe environments, and emergency preparedness.

“Elijah’s Law will protect children in childcare settings across California,” said Thomas Silvera, Co-Founder of Alijah-Alavi Foundation and author of Elijah’s Law. “The life-saving law is more than a victory for the food allergy community; it’s a triumph of compassion, persistence and the power of collective action.”

According to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), food allergies affect 32 million Americans, including 1 in 13 children. AB2317 was sponsored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D) and signed into law by Newsom on September 25. The bill requires the State of Social Services to establish an anaphylactic policy by July 2027, and to be implemented by childcare facilities to implement and adopt the policy by January 2028. 

**About Elijah’s Echo and Elijah’s Law** Elijah’s Law is named in memory of Elijah Silvera, who tragically passed away after suffering a severe allergic reaction at daycare when he was given food containing dairy. Despite being known to have a dairy allergy, life-saving measures were not taken. Elijah’s Law first passed in New York and has since become a critical benchmark for food allergy safety, pushing for reform in childcare centers and schools nationwide. Elijah-Alavi Foundation, the foundation started by Elijah’s parents, has been pivotal in advocating for stronger food allergy protections across the U.S. Their work, along with advocates like Allergic Emma, has raised awareness about the growing prevalence of food allergies and the need for urgent action to protect vulnerable children. 

**Food Allergies and Public Safety** Severe food allergies, such as those to nuts, dairy, and shellfish, can cause life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. According to FARE, one in every 13 children in the U.S. has food allergies, and they are responsible for an increasing number of emergency room visits. Yet until now, schools and childcare facilities have not been required by law to have proper training or plans in place to manage these allergic emergencies. With the passage of Elijah’s Law, California joins other states in ensuring that all students, regardless of their allergies, can learn and play in safe environments. 

**About Allergic Emma** Allergic Emma is a 9-year-old girl with multiple severe food allergies in Southern California. Allergic Emma was created to raise awareness about food allergies and support families navigating similar challenges. Emma is an Ambassador for Red Sneakers for Oakley and Elijah’s Echo, and she has been featured in media outlets for the positive impact she has made in the food allergy community. Since 2022, Allergic Emma has partnered with local cities to pass Food Allergy Awareness proclamations, and she has brought the food allergy community together through in-person food allergy events. For more information about Allergic Emma or to learn more about food allergy safety, visit www.AllergicEmma.com.