Sample Restaurant Letter
Date
Dear Manager,
I recently ate a meal at
(name of restaurant) and noticed
that there were latex balloons at all of the tables. I wanted
to pass on some information regarding latex balloons and
how they relate to latex allergy.
Latex allergy has become a public health concern, primarily
because of the use of powdered, natural-rubber latex gloves.
The problem started in health care workers who wore the
gloves to prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases,
but the gloves are now used almost everywhere. Latex allergy
is problematic in that it gets worse with every exposure,
symptoms can include life-threatening swelling of the airway,
and there is no cure. Allergy shots have not been approved
by the FDA. The allergy is showing up in many occupations,
including healthcare workers, food service personnel, painters,
maintenance staff, auto mechanics...anyone who routinely
wears latex gloves. The powdered gloves are especially problematic
because the latex protein binds to the powder, which can
then hang in the air after the gloves were used. The powder
containing the latex protein can then be inhaled and cause
allergic reactions.
Latex balloons also contain powder to facilitate inflation.
The latex protein attached to the balloon powder and hangs
in the air after the balloon is inflated or deflated. Many
research studies have tested and proven this and most hospitals
have banned latex balloons. Many schools are also banning
latex balloons because of the choking hazard they present,
as well as because increasingly larger numbers of children
are testing positive for latex allergy. (It’s estimated
that at least 50% of children with spina bifida have latex
allergy because of frequent latex exposure from surgical
procedures and medical supplies.) The latex balloons in
your restaurant are a concern to me since they can cause
allergic reactions. Mylar balloons are acceptable for use
because they don’t contain latex.
Another issue that may be of interest to you is that some
states are passing legislation that bans latex gloves from
being used in restaurants. There have been documented latex
reactions from eating food prepared with latex gloves, because
the powder carrying the latex protein is transferred to
the food during preparation. Research has confirmed this.
Rhode Island recently passed such a law (included in this
informational packet), and has ruled that violators will
be fined up to $500, and could be subject to license revocation.
I’ve included a few resources on latex allergy and
current legislation. If you’re interested in more
information, please contact me. I’ll gladly answer
any questions.
Sincerely,
(Your name and contact information)
Items To Include In An Informational Packet For Restaurants
- Copies of recent state legislation regarding the
use of natural latex gloves in the food industry.
- Copies of federal agency recommendations/citations
related to latex glove use.
- A comprehensive, yet easy to understand article
that describes latex allergy.
- If you’re concerned about balloons in restaurants,
include an article or press release related to schools
and/or hospitals banning latex balloons.
(There are resources and links available on our website
(www.latexallergyresources.org) to assist you in gathering
information for the packet.)
