AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has officially proclaimed the week of May 9-15 to be Food Allergy Awareness Week in Maine. He has invited families living with severe food allergies to join him in an official proclamation at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 10, in his office at the Capitol.

The incidence of severe food allergies has been increasing at alarming rates within the past decade. Researchers have estimated that 6 million to 7 million Americans have food allergies, with children being the largest group affected.

Every year hundreds of Americans die from food-induced anaphylaxis. In severely allergic individuals, anaphylaxis can cause death in a matter of minutes.

Restaurants and schools present the highest risk for those with food allergies, and food labels must be read with diligence to avoid reactions. There is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance is the only way to avoid a reaction.

Ninety percent of food allergies are caused by eight foods: shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy and wheat.

Additional information about food allergies can be found at the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network Web site at www.foodallergy.org.