88(R) HB 1445 - Introduced version - Bill Text
  88R4666 EAS-F
 
  By:  Cortez H.B.  No.  1445
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to food allergen awareness in food service establishments,
  food manager certifications, and food service programs.
               BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
               SECTION  1.    This Act may be cited as the Sergio Lopez Food
  Allergy Awareness Act.
               SECTION  2.    Chapter 437, Health and Safety Code, is amended
  by adding Section 437.027 to read as follows:
               Sec.  437.027.    FOOD ALLERGEN AWARENESS POSTER. (a) A food
  service establishment shall display a poster relating to food
  allergen awareness in an area of the establishment regularly
  accessible to the establishment's food service employees. The
  department shall:
                           (1)    collaborate with individuals with expertise and
  knowledge regarding food allergies to determine the form and
  content of the poster;
                           (2)    post a sample poster on the department's Internet
  website; and
                           (3)    update the poster as necessary to ensure the
  poster contains current information about food allergens and
  remains consistent with standards promulgated by the United States
  Food and Drug Administration.
               (b)    The poster must include information regarding:
                           (1)    the risk of an allergic reaction to a food
  allergen;
                           (2)    symptoms of an allergic reaction;
                           (3)    the major food allergens, as determined by federal
  law and regulations of the United States Food and Drug
  Administration;
                           (4)    the procedures for preventing an allergic
  reaction; and
                           (5)    appropriate responses for assisting an individual
  who is having an allergic reaction.
               (c)    The executive commissioner shall adopt rules necessary
  to implement this section.
               (d)    This section does not create a private cause of action
  or change any common law or statutory duty.
               (e)    Notwithstanding any other law, a county, municipality,
  or public health district may not adopt or enforce an order,
  ordinance, rule, or other measure that is inconsistent with or
  exceeds the requirements of this section.
               SECTION  3.    Section 438.043(a), Health and Safety Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (a)    The department may not accredit an education or training
  program unless the program includes:
                           (1)    four hours of training on the subject of food,
  including:
                                       (A)    a description of food-borne disease and its
  cause and prevention; [and]
                                       (B)    protection of food in location, receipt,
  storage, preparation, service, and transportation; and  
                                       (C)    the food allergen awareness information
  described by Section 437.027(b);
                           (2)    four hours of training on the subject of food
  service facilities, including:
                                       (A)    waste disposal and sanitary plumbing and
  water;
                                       (B)    cleaning and sanitization of dishes and
  utensils;
                                       (C)    storage of equipment and utensils;
                                       (D)    housekeeping procedures and schedules;
                                       (E)    proper handling of nonfood supplies,
  including single service items, linens, and toxic materials; and
                                       (F)    cleanliness of the physical plant, including
  bu

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 438.043, Health and Safety Code 438.103 (Health and Safety Code 438)