I'm reaching out to urge Maryland restaurants to adopt consistent allergen labeling and provide comprehensive staff training to help protect the health and safety of all diners.

Restaurants in Maryland and across US are inconsistent in how they handle allergen information. While some chains voluntarily provide symbols on their menus (like V for Vegetarian, W for Wheat, M for Milk, and G for Gluten-Free), most restaurants do not. This leaves individuals with allergies unsure of what is safe to eat and forces them to constantly ask clarifying questions on menu items. Worse yet, staff members are often not adequately trained to answer specific dietary questions.

As someone suffering from Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), I have personally experienced this inconsistency. Recently, at a large restaurant chain, I asked if a dish was dairy-free. The waiter reassured me that it was. However, after starting to experience EoE symptoms and upon further questioning, employee discovered that a sauce used in the dish actually contained butter. This kind of misunderstanding can lead to serious consequences, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening allergic reactions.

No one should have to worry about whether their food might make them sick due to a lack of clear information or staff training. Other countries, such as those in the European Union, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, already have laws enforcing restaurants to provide consistent allergen labeling. It's time for Maryland to follow suit and lead this effort, which will hopefully expand to all U.S. states, requiring restaurants to provide consistent allergen labeling on their menus and ensure staff are properly trained to handle allergen-related questions.

Introducing a law in Maryland to enforce allergen labeling on restaurant menus would benefit a wide range of people:

• People with Allergies and Medical Conditions: Those with food allergies, EoE, or other conditions like celiac disease rely on clear allergen information to avoid life-threatening reactions.
• Religious Groups: Many individuals avoid certain foods for religious reasons. For example, Muslims and Jews need to avoid certain types of meat, while Hindus often avoid beef. Labeling food would make dining out more accessible to these communities too.
• Vegan and Vegetarian Diners: Those who choose a plant-based diet for health, environmental, or ethical reasons also benefit from clear labeling, ensuring they don’t accidentally consume animal products.
• Health-Conscious Consumers: More people are making informed decisions about what they eat, opting to avoid certain ingredients such as dairy, gluten, or soy. Allergen symbols allow them to make better choices.

Please support this petition to make dining out safer for everyone in Maryland! A greater number of signatures on this petition will help convince legislators of the importance of enacting such a law.

Sincerely,

Andrei Dorobantu

Student at Montgomery Blair High School in Montgomery County, Maryland