Comment from Kim Nelson

Subject: Urgent Need for Food Allergy Labeling on Medications Dear FDA, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the lack of food allergy labeling on medications. As a person living with food allergies, I often find myself in situations where I need to take medications but must pause to investigate their contents to ensure my safety. This has not only delayed my care but has also led to unnecessary stress and health risks. Before undergoing cancer surgery, my team had to talk to the pharmacist multiple times, and they weren't able to figure out if gluten or dairy was in the medicine my surgeon wanted me to ingest before being put under. Lacking the time needed to launch a full investigation into the ingredients, we decided not to take a few of the meds and continue. This is entirely unacceptable. Imagine being in the hospital and afraid what you may be given will make your situation exponentially worse. Food allergies can cause severe reactions, and even trace amounts of allergens can be dangerous. Currently, many over-the-counter and prescription medications do not identify potential allergens, leaving individuals like myself vulnerable. It is frustrating to navigate this uncertainty, especially when facing health issues that require urgent attention. I urge the FDA to implement mandatory food allergy labeling on all medications. Clearly identifying common allergens would significantly enhance patient safety, allowing individuals to make informed choices and receive timely care without fear of allergic reactions. Thank you for considering this important issue. I hope you will support making medications safer for everyone who suffers from food allergies. Sincerely, Kim Nelson kimnelson114@gmail.com