FARE Celebrates Delaware’s Historic Early Introduction Bill Being Signed Into Law

McLEAN, Va. (Aug. 29, 2024)—Today, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) celebrates the historic signing into law of State Rep. Kimberly Williams (D-19) early introduction bill, HB 274, by Governor John Carney at a ceremony in the Governor’s office in Wilmington.

The new law will provide all Delaware parents and guardians, including those on Medicaid, with at least one peanut and one egg infant-safe food allergen supplement at no cost to feed their infants starting at four to six months of age, aiming to reverse the rise of these food allergies by preventing them from developing in the first place.

Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE said, "Delaware is setting a national example as the first state to address food allergy prevention. We hope other states will follow Delaware’s lead and ensure that every infant from four to six months of age receives the peanut and egg supplements needed to prevent the development of these life-altering allergies."

Said Rep. Kimberly Williams, the author of the legislation, “I am thrilled to see House Bill 274 signed into law. This will make Delaware the first state in the nation to address food allergy prevention. This legislation has the power to change so many lives throughout our state. With Delaware investing early on, this will enable individuals to fully participate in normal school, sport, work, and social activities and parents will not have to worry each and every day about the health risks their child takes every time they walk out the door. I am hopeful that other states will join Delaware and pass similar legislation that will focus on prevention impacting children and their families for generations to come.”

The power of the early introduction of allergens to prevent food allergies became known following the historic Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study in 2015 that found the early consumption of safe to consume peanut products by infants reduced the risk of developing a peanut allergy by 87%. Later, similar findings were replicated with egg by the Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) study that was published in 2019.

Meenal Lele, a food allergy Mom and the CEO of Hanimune Therapeutics, who spearheaded the effort in Delaware with FARE’s support, said, “Prevention is always the best medicine. We took a huge step today in helping children live their best lives.”

The new law will save the state of Delaware and Delaware parents and guardians millions of dollars in extra health care costs and food that is safe to consume. Food allergies have a profound economic impact, and often harm those who can least afford it, as they cost the American economy more than $25 billion per year with the average family, in 2013, spending more than $4,000 in costs for each food allergic child. For those with a peanut allergy, which is generally a lifetime disease, a 2022 study found that the average cost is about $7,261 per individual per year from ages 1 to 18.

Jason Linde, Senior Vice President of Advocacy for FARE, who testified in Dover in support of HB 274 and conducted grassroots activities to help pass the legislation, said, “When it costs Delaware families more to care for their peanut allergic child over 18 years then paying for tuition, room, and board at the University of Delaware for four years, then something has to change – and today, change came because of Meenal Lele, Rep. Kimberly Williams, Governor Carney, and others who will ensure that the thousands of unborn babies and their families in Delaware who will never have to fear making ends meet while protecting their children from food that could harm or kill them.”

The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2026. To learn more about food allergies and how FARE is working to support those affected, visit www.foodallergy.org.