April 22, 2025 • 34 mins
Season 4's theme is "I Don't Want to Talk About It."
Today, Robyn and Addie Lao and I are talking about it and we hope you'll do more than listen. We hope you'll take action.
Mother-daughter advocates Robyn and Addie are the driving force behind California’s proposed Senate Bill 68 Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE), alongside the bill’s sponsor, Senator Caroline Menjivar.
💔 At a time when so many of us in the food allergy community are feeling confused, disappointed, or discouraged by the lack of support for this bill from FARE, our largest national advocacy organization… this conversation couldn’t be more timely or more important.
We talk about what it’s like to be connected to the food allergy community through advocacy. What it’s like to be so close to change — and still feel resistance. What it’s like to keep going and turn that resistance into more momentum.
And why clear, consistent allergen labeling in restaurants is not just possible — but urgently needed.
👂 Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about legislation, transparency, and what it means when our community leads from within.
✨ This episode is a reminder that sometimes the hardest conversations…
are the ones that move us forward the most.
When you're done listening, please take action via the links below:
addie tells all | food allergy
SB 68: Major food allergens. | Digital Democracy
Contact FARE and let them know we want their support for this bill, and the amendments they promised are needed ASAP: Contact Us - FoodAllergy.org
Special thanks to Kyle Dine for permission to use his song The Doghouse for the podcast theme!
www.kyledine.com
Find Dr. Whitehouse:
-thefoodallergypsychologist.com
-Instagram: @thefoodallergypsychologist
-Facebook: Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, Food Allergy Anxiety Psychologist
-welcome@dramandawhitehouse.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Addie and Robyn Lao (00:00):
it'll make such a big impact with, me.
Millions of other kids have foodallergies and their parents.
so make it so much easier forthe parents and, the kids will
feel so much safer, when theydine out at restaurants.
Yeah, 4 million people inCalifornia are affected.
And that number is just rising,in the last decade tripled, the
(00:22):
amount of people with foodallergies
Speaker (00:25):
Welcome to the Don't Feed the Fear podcast, where we
dive into the complex world offood allergy anxiety.
I'm your host, Dr.
Amanda Whitehouse, food allergyanxiety psychologist and food
allergy mom.
Whether you're dealing withallergies yourself or supporting
someone who is, join us for anempathetic and informative
journey toward food allergy calmand confidence..
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (00:46):
Robyn and Addie, thank you so much for
joining me here on Don't FeedThe Fear.
I'm so excited that you, twopowerhouses took the time to sit
down and talk with me aboutsomething so important.
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (00:56):
Thank you so much.
This is wonderful.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (00:58):
So I think everybody kind of already
knows what's going on, at leastif they're listening to my
podcast.
But just in case someone catchesthis after the fact or who
doesn't know, tell us what thetwo of you have been working so
hard on.
Please.
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:12):
Um, we're on a avail.
Um, SB 68 A DDE, stands forallergen disclosure and dining
spirits.
and it'll have restaurants labelthe top nine allergens on their
menus.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (01:31):
All right, so your name is Addie.
A-D-D-I-E.
Right.
Did you have to do some work tofind a name of a bill that you
could make sort of almost matchyour name?
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:40):
Yeah, the center's office helped with
that.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (01:43):
Awesome.
I mean, you absolutely deserveafter all of this work, to have
it named after you.
Right.
From what I understand otherplaces already have been doing
this for a very long time.
Right.
Restaurant menus have the topallergens, clearly labeled
correct.
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:59):
We looked at some recent publications and
it's interesting, in the US onlyabout 9%, and this is in 2021,
actually do have good labelingso far.
So yes, there are some of ourfavorite restaurants that we can
dine safely at because there islabeling.
but many unfortunately, haveincomplete labeling, or don't
have any allergy information atall, which is why this is so
important so that people candine allergy safe.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (02:21):
And I will you tell us in your words,
from a kid, your age and yourperspective, what would life be
like?
If this were the law, I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (02:29):
Um, I think I would feel so much safer,
dining out if this would be alaw because I would know
actually what I was, I would beeating Yeah.
And other adults don't have toworry about their kids.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (02:45):
Right.
And I, I'm glad you said theword safe because I think some
people who don't understand foodallergies, they think it's just,
oh, it's, it's a pain, it's aninconvenience.
Or maybe you don't have as manychoices, but it's actually about
your safety.
Have you ever had any issueswith that, like where there were
some safety concerns becausethere wasn't labeled?
Addie and Robyn Lao (03:04):
One of the instances happened when she was
probably only two, so she maynot remember.
but we had went, gone to arestaurant, you know, had the
conversation with the wait staffnaming all of her allergens,
which currently is dairy treenuts, peanuts, and sesame.
At the time we ordered a hashbrown and they said, oh yeah,
that should be fine.
it hit our table.
She started eating it already'cause she's two obviously.
(03:26):
And then, when I spoke with thewaitress one more time, I said,
oh, just double checking.
This doesn't have peanut oil oranything, right?
And she says, oh, yes it does.
And I'm like, oh my God.
so I of course panicked, got herEpiPen out.
goodness I called her allergistat the same time, who made sure
that we checked it was unrefinedor refined peanut oil.
so luckily it was refined,meaning all the.
(03:48):
Peanut allergen triggerproteins, were actually taken
out.
So she actually was safe.
but.
Absolutely in near Miss event.
Absolutely.
Labeling would've helped in thatinstance.
I think off the bat when weasked the wait staff, you know,
they didn't think about the oilsor the different things.
and even when they doublechecked, you know, potentially
that wasn't communicated withthe chef.
So anyways, I think a lot ofthese instances can be avoided.
(04:12):
we just, just yesterday went toa wonderful restaurant that had
labeling.
They actually had an allergenbinder.
and we actually almost ordered.
Mac and cheese'cause it was avegan restaurant, so obviously
dairy free.
and they said they used coconutfor the base and not tree nuts,
but there was a hidden allergenof sesame oil, which we caught
because of the good labelingthey had.
(04:33):
and when we talked to the personwhen we were ordering, was like,
I have no idea, but here's thebinder.
'cause he didn't know off thetop of his head any of the
allergens.
Right.
And so in a fast food kind ofsetting, there's not a chef that
you can really speak to.
Right.
And so.
It made it very safe and we, wewere able to catch that and
avoid a near miss,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (04:51):
It's such a good example because despite
our best efforts to communicateclearly, we can't communicate
every possible area where itmight lie.
And really can we expect everyserver and restaurant staff in
the entire nation to understandfood allergies?
we're still learning it decadesin as parents.
Right.
So on both ends, it seems likethere's a lot of room for error
that could be so easilyeliminated with, with this bill,
(05:13):
with Addie's Law.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:15):
Yeah, a hundred
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:16):
what are you allergic to?
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:18):
I'm allergic to dairy, peanuts, tree
nuts and sesame.
When she was little, we made asong so she would remember.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:25):
oh, what a great idea.
Will you tell us about that?
I think parents would love tohear that.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:29):
I don't actually remember it.
We did, yeah.
She was little in preschoolthen, and I just made it to like
a little tune and she would justremember because it was so hard
for it in case no one everasked, you know, when she went
to school.
we did little things like tagson her backpack.
I made a QR code that they couldscan with her information in
case things like that.
That just
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:49):
Wow.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:49):
with communication.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:50):
So this is not your first out of the box
thinking as an allergy parent,it sounds like.
That's really creative that youdid that.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:58):
It helps that I'm a nurse practitioner,
so I take care of, um, pediatricsurgery patients.
So obviously not an allergy, butI think this has been super
eye-opening for me as a provideras well.
just learning chronic illnessmanagement.
I.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (06:10):
Absolutely.
Well, and how did you make thatdecision then to take it beyond
managing it in your daily lifeto tackling the loss?
Addie and Robyn Lao (06:19):
Yeah, it was definitely a kind of
incremental steps, so, you know.
and off, not sure if youremember like FARE used to do
the, thing in DC and so Addiewas interested with that.
she had started, being a redsneakers for Oakley Ambassador
did a schoolwide assembly on herown, which was fantastic.
Last year in May I.
really wanted to kinda do more.
(06:40):
so she heard about that in DC Wetried to go, we couldn't make it
happen.
but I'm actually the legislativechair for our kind of local
chapter that I started forpediatric nurse practitioners.
It's called NAPNAP, NationalAssociation of Pediatric Nurse
Practitioners.
So, I'm the Sacramento chapterpast president and legislative
chair currently.
And because we live inSacramento, in the capital of
California, we were able toorganize a DF capital.
(07:04):
So I learned how to do that.
Set up meetings with centers,assembly members offices.
And Addie saw me doing this andshe's like, oh, well I wanna
join, I wanna do this.
And so I was like, oh my gosh,what a great idea.
Let's do this for food allergy.
and there was this little blurbon one of the assembly members
website that said.
Do you have any ideas?
Like, this should be a law.
And I'm like, oh, I didn't evenrealize you can do that, you
(07:25):
know, and propose something.
So it was kind of all theselittle steps that kind of moved
us forward.
And so did our D at the capital,we brought our little two pager
proposal, and ended up meetingSenator Menjivar's office, that
decided to help author the bill.
So.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (07:40):
That's great.
It pays to make connections withother people who have food
allergies.
Right.
I understand that.
That's why the receptivity wasthere.
Addie and Robyn Lao (07:48):
A hundred percent.
Yeah.
And initially we didn't knowthat she had food allergies
herself, so it was actually kindof happenstance.
she was on the Senate HealthCommittee, had experience in the
past as a paramedic, so wethought, oh, you know, reading
her bio that this might be agood alignment.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:03):
Addie, how many of those steps have you
been able to be involved with?
Because I imagine it's like alot of meetings, a lot of people
talking but what did you get todo?
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:12):
Um, so first we, um, me and mom went to
the capitol and we introducedthe bill.
So we wa so we went from senate,from office to office, talking
to senate aids, and Addie hadher own spiel too, that she
would start with, so she woulddefinitely participate in all
the meetings.
I introduced my name, myallergies, and I pretty much
(08:37):
introduced why I want this billto be a law.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:45):
Mm-hmm.
And how did people respond,especially to someone your age
talking about something so bigand important.
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:52):
they were pretty receptive.
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:54):
Yeah.
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:54):
some even shared that they had food
allergies themselves, or knew ofa family member.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:59):
Right.
Which is bound to happen becauseso many people have'em.
Right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:02):
Mm-hmm.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:03):
Okay, so what happened next?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:06):
Well then, um, Menjivar decides to take on
the bill and authored it.
so then we had to go again tothe Capitol to, um, persuade the
senate, the, Senate HealthCommittee, Senator Senate Health
Committee to, support our bail.
Mm-hmm.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:26):
Okay,
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:27):
Yeah.
So we went back in Februaryduring her.
Little February week off ofschool.
So it actually worked out well.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:33):
good timing.
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:34):
Yeah,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:34):
learning a lot about the legislative
process along the way, eventhough that wasn't the goal.
Right.
This is like a big educationalprocess for you too.
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:41):
yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:42):
And mom too.
I think most of us,
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:44):
Oh yeah.
And then, my third visit waswhen, I testified.
and that time I had my wholeclass come with me.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:54):
I saw the pictures of that.
What did that feel like to haveall of them there supporting
you?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:59):
Um, I felt really proud that, um, all my
classmates had come to supportme and cheer me on,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:10):
Was that part the school day?
Did everyone went together andtook a field trip
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:14):
yeah.
Yeah.
And they gotta meet with peopletoo.
Yeah.
So they would go to, the officestoo, and they, would have their
little, um, they would have afew lines to talk to the aide.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:27):
About the topic and about your law.
So what kinds of things wouldthey say different from what you
were sharing?
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:33):
main, yeah.
They would share a menu thatdidn't have.
Any labeling and they would askthe aide to try to figure out
like which ones of them had soy,which one them, which ones
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:47):
Oh,
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:47):
them had nuts and you had no idea because
there are no labeling.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:51):
how would you know pop quiz for them?
Right?
Whose idea was that?
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:56):
Uh, yeah.
Alexa.
Yeah, as Alexa.
And she's our AAFA advocacycoordinator.
So she helped with that, whichwas a great idea.
It was brilliant.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (11:05):
Yeah,
Addie and Robyn Lao (11:06):
did it.
She went to the class the daybefore kind of gave them a
little prep meeting, um, andhelped make posters.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (11:14):
I saw some of those posters and it
just looked like it was such acommunity effort.
Like it feels so good to besupported in something.
Doesn't matter.
Awesome.
So, I know there was recently atown hall with FARE, which is
our advocacy organization, and alot of people are having a lot
of feelings about that.
So Addie, were you able toattend?
(11:35):
I know it was during school dayhours.
Addie and Robyn Lao (11:38):
Yeah, she, was unfortunately not able to
attend, nor I was undecided if Iwanted her to be there anyways.
But, I think it was good to hearfrom the community, we had over
a hundred people in attendance.
We're still waiting for therecording, unfortunately.
but really what I'm hoping isthat FARE will choose to do the
right thing, and withdraw theiropposition.
I think what was said was thatthey wanted to provide
(11:59):
amendments, which we are stillwaiting for.
so Sung Poblete did email methat afternoon after the town
hall, and I responded asking forthe amendment so we can meet and
I have not heard back.
So unfortunately, you know, withthe legislative process, there
are timelines not made by us,but by the process itself to
move things along.
'cause she herself said that shewanted the bill to pass this
(12:22):
year, which is wonderful.
So do we.
and so for that to happen, youknow, we do need amendments in
by the first week of May.
'cause we do have our senateappropriations coming forward,
and we're gonna get thatdecision by the end of May if we
can move forward past thatcommittee.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (12:35):
Okay.
And for those listening, we'rerecording this on April 21st,
2025.
I'll hope to have this episodeout tomorrow, the 22nd, but The
first week of May is not far offfrom what we're talking about
here.
This is really, Crunch time.
Do you have any indicationwhether it was during the town
hall or in separatecommunication, other than kind
of saying we could do better,was the message that I got, what
(12:57):
are the amendments in referenceto
Addie and Robyn Lao (12:59):
Yeah, it's actually unclear.
and I'd asked that question inthe chat during the town hall,
but didn't get a clear response,so they, she just kept
referencing amendments and so weare interested to hear what
those are, um, because.
Initially fair and CRA did meetwith the Senate's office in
February and their initial askwas to cancel the bill.
(13:21):
And so that's what they asked ofthe senator.
And in response, the senatorasked if they could bring
forward amendments.
'cause we were open tocollaboration.
The senator's office has beenopen the entire time.
they followed up two more times,in March and, and, I don't have
the exact dates.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (13:36):
That's okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (13:36):
the last time they followed up.
And.
Still hadn't heard back.
Unfortunately, all we did hearback was the letter of
opposition.
So this whole time we have beenwaiting for amendments and we
continue to wait for those.
But I'm unclear what thoseamendments are and if they're
feasible.
But we're happy to have adiscussion, and hoping they will
withdraw their opposition ifthey in fact are supportive of
(13:58):
menu labeling, which they statethey are.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (14:00):
Right, right.
Do you want to speak to thepiece of what we've learned
about them working with the.
App, the, the electronic,approach to this and how you
think that plays into thedecision.
Addie and Robyn Lao (14:12):
Yeah, good question.
So, you know, they referencedevery bite, which I'm not too
familiar, but it is a platformor an app that helps with menu
labeling, I believe.
that restaurants can basicallyuse this platform to type in
their recipes and then users beable to search their allergens
and, get information on what issafe for them.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (14:33):
As the bill is written and stands right
now, can you tell us more aboutwhat it's asking?
What you know people are sayingthe burden that is placing on
restaurant owners, so what is itactually asking of them?
Addie and Robyn Lao (14:42):
Yeah, so it's definitely asking for what
the meal contains, so top nineallergens.
If any of the meals contain thetop nine.
So we're not talking about crosscontact, we're just talking
about if it indeed containsthat.
It states clearly, on the menu.
what, what the meal contains.
I know there have been questionsabout precautionary labeling,
(15:05):
even for packaged goodscurrently that is not yet
mandated, so that's stillvoluntary, which we felt that
because it's still voluntary forpackaged foods, we couldn't ask
that for non packaged foods atthis time.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:16):
Right, right,
Addie and Robyn Lao (15:17):
obviously our first stepping stone, right?
To
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:19):
right.
I think it speaks to what manyof us in the community feel
there.
There's a lot of room for growthin all of our laws, but we're
still glad that those laws existas they stand now, even though
they're not ideal at the moment.
Right.
I think that's the spirit withany of this.
Addie and Robyn Lao (15:35):
Um, and I think FARE's point was they
wanted to look more towards, youknow, advanced ideas of using,
you know, these app platforms,et cetera, which we are open to,
but I think we have to startwith, you know, unfortunately
what the UK and the EU have hadin place for the last 10 years,
which is just simple labeling.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:54):
And is, is it that simple?
Just it's, they're required todo what you just described.
Label the top allergens ifthey're contained in the meal,
on the menu that's handed to youat the restaurant.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:04):
Correct.
That's what we're asking for.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (16:05):
Okay.
How long has that been in place?
In the eu.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:08):
Yeah, since 2014,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (16:10):
Okay.
So it's doable.
I think it's important forpeople to under, for small
restaurants to say, we could dothis.
This is doable.
Right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:18):
Yeah.
So at the town hall, Brian Ham,one of, he's a food allergy
father, and he unfortunatelylost his son, one of his sons,
um, food allergies.
So he spoke up and he's a smallbusiness restaurant owner with
Vitality Bowls and he said,absolutely, this is something we
can do.
Um, and you know, you said, putit on your menu.
Don't wait.
We need to save lives.
(16:38):
So, know, I think it's reallyimportant.
And to hear it from him as arestaurant owner himself is so
powerful.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (16:45):
Absolutely, nobody wants to take on
liability these days.
So if they can further protectthemselves, it seems like it
would be in everyone's bestinterest, even if it's, it's a
change.
People just don't like change.
They resist it.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:55):
Yeah.
And with this bill, there's noincreased liability to
restaurants.
I think that's a concern of CRA.
Um, but when we spoke with somelawyers.
it sounded like there's noincreased liability at all.
If anything, it's shared nowwith the customer now that it's
disclosed.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (17:08):
Right and reduced risk, I would think we
Addie and Robyn Lao (17:10):
percent, There's actually, um, literature
out there.
It's so interesting.
2021, there's a journal articlethat was published by the
American College of Asthma,allergy and Immunology, and they
actually use the FARE database.
Information for this study, butthey showed that, you know, it
went from 53% risk of reactionswith just verbal conversations
(17:32):
about allergens with the waitstaff.
That number went all the waydown to 13% after menu labeling
and verbal communication.
So, you know, obviously FARE hadstated before false sense of
security, but.
food allergy parents, foodallergy patients, they're gonna
have those verbal conversationsand still double check.
And that's still very, verynecessary.
This just starts theconversation with good
(17:54):
information.
Right.
And so, um, the data, shows thatthis is gonna decrease reaction
rates.
That was part of how we kind ofthought about this bill
initially is Addie had awonderful experience at a, a
dumpling restaurant.
we're Chinese, so we went to arestaurant, which oftentimes
there's not very good labelingfor kind of Asian restaurants.
(18:17):
Right.
And Sesame, unfortunately isvery hard, um, because
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (18:20):
have s in my house too.
My son's been begging me fordumplings and.
Addie and Robyn Lao (18:24):
Yes.
So I actually learned how tomake them myself for home.
But you know, we always wantedher to join in at, at
restaurants.
So, um, this one restaurant hada wonderful grid, top nine.
Um, and then we were able tofind out, oh, great, the one
with chicken, not with pork,doesn't have sesame.
Um, and when we ordered, theyhave it on their ordering
device.
All the ingredients listed todouble check, they check again
(18:45):
with the chef.
We just went again two nightsago, um, to this restaurant and.
Amazing.
Like she was able to eat with ustogether for Mother's Day, and I
literally cried at the table.
I'm like, this is so remarkablethat labeling can really open
the doors.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (19:01):
Yeah.
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:01):
a really safe experience.
So this is what we wanted forthe food allergy community.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (19:05):
Yeah.
Addie, can you tell us what thatwas like?
Mom, teared up, it was soemotional for her, how is it for
you?
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:12):
Did you love it?
And yeah, I felt excited that wehad that, for me, and I think I
should be feeling that for everyrestaurant so I can dine safely.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (19:23):
Absolutely.
What are people saying to youwhen you're sharing, you're
doing so much advocating for thelaw, what's the feedback that
the two of you are getting fromkids and from adults and other
parents?
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:35):
Definitely people are telling us, you know,
we definitely need this.
Thank you so much for the goodwork.
I think they're really excited,because they understand, this is
something that will change theirlives and really save lives.
You know, being in healthcare,we're all about.
A culture of safety.
Addie knows I'm kind of aparanoid mom because I deal with
trauma.
(19:56):
I've worked in the pediatric ICUin the past.
I've seen a lot of terriblethings.
And unfortunately a lot of it ispreventable, you know?
And so that's why we haveseatbelt laws, helmet laws, you
know, things like that, right?
And so this is just one of thosethings.
We wanna change the culture offood safety.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (20:11):
Exactly.
I think that's such a goodpoint.
We look at all these otherthings.
I, I think of MADD, the MothersAgainst Drunk Driving
Organization made so much changein our country about something
that was so preventable, and wehave to take action and we have
to speak up for what we want.
And I, I have so much respectfor you along those lines of
what you're doing for all of ourkids and all of us, adults too.
Would you say kind of whatyou're hearing back from other
(20:32):
folks after the FARE Town Halland what their reaction was or
kind of what responses you'regetting.
Addie and Robyn Lao (20:38):
Yeah, I think there was a lot of shock.
You know, I don't, I think whenthe fair opposition letter came
out, obviously.
was very shocked.
Um, but I don't think the foodallergy community knew about
that quite yet until the hearinghappened.
Um, and then posted obviously,and just, it coming out more to
the public.
I think a lot of it is thesentiment of Wow FARE should be
(21:01):
representing the food allergycommunity.
They are our advocacy group.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (21:05):
Mm-hmm.
Addie and Robyn Lao (21:06):
and how have they turned their back,
their backs on us, so.
I'm really hoping that that canbe corrected, that they will
come along.
'cause I think it's reallyneeded.
but we do have over 35organizations that have signed
on to support.
It's a really community drivenbill, so we have, you know, a
thousand individuals that signedon for the bill.
Separately.
(21:26):
We had over 25 individualsupport, letters of allergy
patients, mothers telling theirown story of why this is needed.
Um.
just had the American NurseAssociation, Cal in California,
sign on, the American College ofAsthma.
Allergy Immunology.
There's definitely a lot ofsupport for this.
and I think, the blessing indisguise with all of this coming
(21:49):
out is that more people knowabout the bill now to want to
support further.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (21:53):
Absolutely.
I was thinking the same thingand I was wondering, Addie, are
you on social media?
Do you have any social mediaaccounts?
You do.
I mean, I follow your account.
Is it you?
Is it, do you help with that?
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:05):
Yeah.
She sees what I'm posting.
Yeah, but mostly it's mom that'smonitoring.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:10):
I figured.
I figured.
But do you know, do you get tosee how excited everybody is
about what you're doing and likeeverybody knows who you are?
Everybody in food allergies islike"Go Addie!".
It's not just your classroomwith posters.
It's all of us.
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:23):
That's amazing.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:24):
Do you know that?
Do you get, do you hear, get tohear any of it or read any of
it?
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:27):
Yeah, sometimes, um, look down at the
comments like, um, you'll see,people like go, Addie.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:41):
That's how excited we all are about you
and everything you're doing, andobviously it's so powerful to
have a face to put with, the lawand, and all of the change that
we've all wanted for so long,
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:51):
So exciting.
I know we're so honored becausereally Addie and I are pretty
new to food allergy advocacy,right.
And so all the people that weused to follow and we still
follow of course, um, you know,Elijah LA Foundation, allergy
Strong.
Like they are just coming out tohelp support us, which has been
amazing for us.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (23:09):
Yeah.
Well, for the people who arelistening, I mean, I know some
of those amazing organizations,many of them are on your side.
For the folks who are youreveryday allergy community,
people, I.
What can they do?
What else can they do at thispoint where the law is to help
support and move forward andpush through some of what feels
like resistance from from fair?
(23:29):
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (23:30):
Yeah, absolutely.
So if they live in California,they have to be California
residents for this piece.
but if they wanna join me, inmeetings with the Senate
offices, May 12th is when I'llbe doing that next, and that can
be virtual.
Um, so virtual or in person ifyou happen to live near
Sacramento.
Um, but if you don't, virtual isdefinitely an option.
We're working on setting upthose meetings now.
(23:51):
Um, because after it passes,Senate Appropriations Committee
would go to the Senate floor.
Um, and so we definitely needhelp.
There's a lot of meetings thatwe'll have to be doing.
Um, and with Assembly side inmind too, we may start also
offering some meetings theretoo.
So there's a signup link on ourwebsite.
Addie tells all, that you cansign up there then if you are
(24:12):
not a California resident orthat day doesn't work, um,
that's okay too.
We, we really want restaurants.
businesses, any organization itall means so, so much.
I think really showing thecommunity support is so
important.
we know there's one organizationthat's currently not there yet,
but it doesn't matter.
We have a lot of others that arein support and we would love
(24:35):
that to, be official and havethem sign on to the joint letter
with AAFA so there's anotherlink on our website as well if
you wanna sign on for thatoutreach effort.
We can definitely shareinformation and links that can
be sent to their organizationsand friends.
Think widely what yourconnections are, to kind of help
with that.
And organizations don't have tobe just California based.
(24:56):
So in any nationalorganizations, if there's a,
group that thinks this isimportant and wants to sign on,
super important for that tohappen as well.
So, you know, I think it's just.
So meaningful to community,right?
And so what the legislativeoffices wanna see is that
support behind it.
So it really helps to have themsign on to these letters.
and if there are restaurantsthat you know, people frequent
(25:17):
and you know, that havewonderful labeling or are really
food allergy friendly, go thereand ask them.
I think that's all reallyhelpful of like.
Featuring them, giving themkudos, making sure they know we
appreciate it, and then askingthem to sign on to support since
they're already doing some ofthis.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (25:34):
Right, and because I think the
businesses who are doing it havelearned that once they get our
business, we are loyal, repeat.
Spend, buy all the things, ordereverything on the menu
customers, because it's such atreat, right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (25:46):
A hundred percent.
And you know, the reason whywe're doing this is so we can
dine out, right?
Like we want to be part of thatdining out community.
We want to be out there andsupport businesses.
So I think this is gonna be areally a win-win in the end.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (25:58):
And I think that is an important point
a lot of us have been having.
Very complicated emotionalresponses to, to the opposition
from FARE.
what can happen is when we feelthat feeling of surprise, or I
think some people have used theword betrayal.
I don't wanna speak for you, butwe put a lot of faith and time
and, and money toward,fundraising and all the things
(26:19):
that we do.
So when we feel that sense ofbetrayal, our nervous system
shuts down.
We wanna give up.
I know you're not giving up,.
So give us more hope.
Things are still on track as faras moving forward with the
meetings and hearings.
What else needs to happen next?
Senate appropriations is nextcorrect.
Addie and Robyn Lao (26:36):
Mm-hmm.
So, yeah, so even with theletters of opposition from
California RestaurantAssociation and FARE, we did
pass successfully through theSenate Health Committee 11 to
zero.
Um, so that was just an overallmajority vote, which was
amazing.
Our next step is the SenateAppropriations Committee, which
looks at the financial impact ofthe bill.
so that's currently in processbasically by May 23rd.
(26:59):
We should know if that passes ornot.
And then it moves on to theSenate floor, which is that
first week in June.
they don't set the exact dateyet until as it comes closer.
Um, but that first week in June,we'll know if we pass the Senate
or not to move forward to theassembly side.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (27:15):
Okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (27:15):
the assembly side, you know, if
people wanna come in person,just like they saw with the
Senate Health Committee, that'sthat next opportunity.
So that's, where there's gonnabe testimony in-person support
opportunities.
And that will be probably aroundJune, july, late June, July time
for the Senate, assembly HealthCommittee.
Sorry.
that's where that would bereally impactful.
(27:37):
so obviously those dates will bemarked out later.
Um, but then it goes toassembly.
Appropriations after thatassembly floor.
Um, and then we should know ifit reaches the governor's office
September, October.
So really the last kinda datesfor a bill to become a law.
This cycle for this year wouldbe that first week in October.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (27:59):
For this, this next step for the Senate
Appropriation Committee, theamendments have to be finalized
at that step.
Am I understanding correctly?
Addie and Robyn Lao (28:05):
Good questions.
So we want the amendments to bein by this Senate appropriations
that's when really theamendments, need to go in,
Really by May 2nd, because youknow, in the legislative
process.
to go through, right?
It has to be reviewed,legislative council, et cetera.
It has to be entered by correcttiming before, it can't be right
(28:26):
before they vote.
It has to be so that committeehas time to review it, et
cetera.
So, you know, there's this wholeprocess, there's a timeline.
Um, and so we're really hopingto move forward.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (28:37):
Addie, what else do you wanna tell us
about why you think this lawmatters and we should all keep
supporting you to keep pushingit forward?
Addie and Robyn Lao (28:46):
I think, that you should keep pushing it
forward because it'll make sucha big impact with, me.
Millions of other kids have foodallergies and their parents.
so make it so much easier forthe parents and, the kids will
feel so much safer, um, whenthey dine out at restaurants.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (29:07):
I agree and we all want kids to be safer
and adults.
I think a lot of us forget,there are millions of adults who
have food allergies too, whothere haven't, hasn't been as
much advocacy in their lifetimesand they're used to just dealing
with it on their own and nothaving so much support and, and
resources and options adultsdeserve it too.
Right.
Addie and Robyn Lao (29:26):
Yeah, 4 million people in California are
affected.
And that number is just rising,in the last decade tripled, the
amount of people with foodallergies.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (29:33):
I like to ask everybody who comes on the
podcast, Tell me somethingawesome about food allergies.
Addie and Robyn Lao (29:40):
you know, it's so, so interesting that
this has brought us to thispoint where we're making so many
new friends in the food outagecommunity.
I mean, I think the support hasbeen so outstanding that it's
just, it's really wonderful.
You know, it's kind of been thispassion project of ours that now
has become this bill that Ican't even believe how far we've
(30:01):
come and just how far we'regonna be going with this.
so it's really exciting, to knowhow connected we are.
the community.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:09):
Thank you for doing all that for the
community.
We're all eager to back you.
What about you, Addie?
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:14):
I think that, with all this legislation,
I'm learning more about thelegislative process, making
spill,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:23):
Yeah, and Robin, I'm sure you'll agree,
all of us as food allergyparents, watch our kids and
whatever comes to you in yourlife that you have to tackle
makes each and every one of youand us as parents so much
stronger.
So Addie, you're learning aboutthe law do you think you might
wanna do something with thatsomeday?
Or do you have other ideas foryour future?
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:41):
Yeah.
Tell her what you wanna be.
I be an allergist when I growup.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:44):
oh my gosh, you're gonna have so many
patients.
Everyone's gonna wanna bringyou, like the laws are gonna all
be named after you, like mydoctor.
So cool.
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:58):
Addie's been so resilient with this,
during COVID that's when westarted her little YouTube
project, just because we, Inever learned how to cook.
kind of growing up and soneeding to kind of learn how to
make safe foods for Addie, wekind of did it together looking
at Pinterest recipes and then wewanted to remember how to make
certain things.
So we started making littlevideos and then we're like, oh
yeah, we should just post thisso other people can use them.
(31:19):
So it's kind of been this littlejourney of ours.
she just made a little Eastertreat Lemon bar recipe recently,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:26):
Really?
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:26):
still doing that for fun, but it's, it's
something that we've kind ofgrown together
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:31):
Yeah.
And you called it a littlejourney, but it's not so little
anymore.
It got very big.
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:35):
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:36):
So I, I asked my son who has allergies
every time I have an interviewwhat he wants me to ask,
because, he's the reason thatI'm doing all of this.
I promised him I would figureout how to make him dumplings.
What is the best recipe?
Peanut tree nut, sesame.
And I know you know, sesame isthe hardest thing to avoid, so
tell me what to do.
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:54):
We have a, we have a YouTube video.
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:56):
All right.
And what's the YouTube channel?
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:59):
Addie tells all
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:00):
it's, that's the name of the YouTube
channel too.
Okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:03):
Yep.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:03):
go,
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:04):
loves pot stickers and dumplings.
That's her favorite food.
So.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:08):
I'm sure that everybody in our house will
too, once I take the time tofigure that out.
What else are you hoping toshare
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:14):
people who are interested in supporting to
reference our website andclicking on those links so that
we can keep in touch and stayorganized.
and opportunities like this,this is so important, thank you
for letting us use yourplatform.
To help get the word out.
And I would encourage anyone whowants to help tell at least five
to 10 people,'cause it's allabout connections, all about
building our community ofsupporters and really helping
(32:36):
move that forward.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:37):
Okay.
Tell someone, sign up, sharethis, send this, get the word
out.
Absolutely.
Do you have any other thoughts?
Addie, for the last words,
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:46):
Yeah.
I want, kids with allergies likeme to know that even though that
we're small, we can still make adifference.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (32:57):
Absolutely.
Thank you for making adifference for you and for
everyone in California, and I'mall the way in New York, but I
know that Everyone is energeticand motivated by what you're
doing, so thank you for doingthat because I know it's not
just gonna be California.
This is gonna change the wayfood allergies are handled in
our country.
Can you feel that
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:16):
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (33:17):
it's coming right?
Big change is coming.
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:19):
California started with nutrition labeling
and brought it to the rest ofthe us so I'm hoping the same
for this.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (33:25):
Yeah.
Thank you on our behalf foreverything that you're doing,
for all of us.
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:30):
Thank you so much.
This is awesome.
you don't need me to list actionsteps for you today.
Robin and Addie did thatperfectly.
So check the show notes if youneed the links, and take action
and share with anyone andeveryone you can, especially the
connections and people that youmight know in California.
Thanks for listening.
the content of this podcast isfor informational and
(33:52):
educational purposes only, andis not a substitute for
professional medical or mentalhealth advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.
If you have any questions aboutyour own medical experience or
mental health needs, pleaseconsult a professional.
I'm Dr.
Amanda White house.
Thanks for joining me.
And until we chat again,remember don't feed the fear.
it'll make such a big impact with, me.
Millions of other kids have foodallergies and their parents.
so make it so much easier forthe parents and, the kids will
feel so much safer, when theydine out at restaurants.
Yeah, 4 million people inCalifornia are affected.
And that number is just rising,in the last decade tripled, the
(00:22):
amount of people with foodallergies
Speaker (00:25):
Welcome to the Don't Feed the Fear podcast, where we
dive into the complex world offood allergy anxiety.
I'm your host, Dr.
Amanda Whitehouse, food allergyanxiety psychologist and food
allergy mom.
Whether you're dealing withallergies yourself or supporting
someone who is, join us for anempathetic and informative
journey toward food allergy calmand confidence..
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (00:46):
Robyn and Addie, thank you so much for
joining me here on Don't FeedThe Fear.
I'm so excited that you, twopowerhouses took the time to sit
down and talk with me aboutsomething so important.
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (00:56):
Thank you so much.
This is wonderful.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (00:58):
So I think everybody kind of already
knows what's going on, at leastif they're listening to my
podcast.
But just in case someone catchesthis after the fact or who
doesn't know, tell us what thetwo of you have been working so
hard on.
Please.
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:12):
Um, we're on a avail.
Um, SB 68 A DDE, stands forallergen disclosure and dining
spirits.
and it'll have restaurants labelthe top nine allergens on their
menus.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (01:31):
All right, so your name is Addie.
A-D-D-I-E.
Right.
Did you have to do some work tofind a name of a bill that you
could make sort of almost matchyour name?
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:40):
Yeah, the center's office helped with
that.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (01:43):
Awesome.
I mean, you absolutely deserveafter all of this work, to have
it named after you.
Right.
From what I understand otherplaces already have been doing
this for a very long time.
Right.
Restaurant menus have the topallergens, clearly labeled
correct.
Addie and Robyn Lao (01:59):
We looked at some recent publications and
it's interesting, in the US onlyabout 9%, and this is in 2021,
actually do have good labelingso far.
So yes, there are some of ourfavorite restaurants that we can
dine safely at because there islabeling.
but many unfortunately, haveincomplete labeling, or don't
have any allergy information atall, which is why this is so
important so that people candine allergy safe.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (02:21):
And I will you tell us in your words,
from a kid, your age and yourperspective, what would life be
like?
If this were the law, I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (02:29):
Um, I think I would feel so much safer,
dining out if this would be alaw because I would know
actually what I was, I would beeating Yeah.
And other adults don't have toworry about their kids.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (02:45):
Right.
And I, I'm glad you said theword safe because I think some
people who don't understand foodallergies, they think it's just,
oh, it's, it's a pain, it's aninconvenience.
Or maybe you don't have as manychoices, but it's actually about
your safety.
Have you ever had any issueswith that, like where there were
some safety concerns becausethere wasn't labeled?
Addie and Robyn Lao (03:04):
One of the instances happened when she was
probably only two, so she maynot remember.
but we had went, gone to arestaurant, you know, had the
conversation with the wait staffnaming all of her allergens,
which currently is dairy treenuts, peanuts, and sesame.
At the time we ordered a hashbrown and they said, oh yeah,
that should be fine.
it hit our table.
She started eating it already'cause she's two obviously.
(03:26):
And then, when I spoke with thewaitress one more time, I said,
oh, just double checking.
This doesn't have peanut oil oranything, right?
And she says, oh, yes it does.
And I'm like, oh my God.
so I of course panicked, got herEpiPen out.
goodness I called her allergistat the same time, who made sure
that we checked it was unrefinedor refined peanut oil.
so luckily it was refined,meaning all the.
(03:48):
Peanut allergen triggerproteins, were actually taken
out.
So she actually was safe.
but.
Absolutely in near Miss event.
Absolutely.
Labeling would've helped in thatinstance.
I think off the bat when weasked the wait staff, you know,
they didn't think about the oilsor the different things.
and even when they doublechecked, you know, potentially
that wasn't communicated withthe chef.
So anyways, I think a lot ofthese instances can be avoided.
(04:12):
we just, just yesterday went toa wonderful restaurant that had
labeling.
They actually had an allergenbinder.
and we actually almost ordered.
Mac and cheese'cause it was avegan restaurant, so obviously
dairy free.
and they said they used coconutfor the base and not tree nuts,
but there was a hidden allergenof sesame oil, which we caught
because of the good labelingthey had.
(04:33):
and when we talked to the personwhen we were ordering, was like,
I have no idea, but here's thebinder.
'cause he didn't know off thetop of his head any of the
allergens.
Right.
And so in a fast food kind ofsetting, there's not a chef that
you can really speak to.
Right.
And so.
It made it very safe and we, wewere able to catch that and
avoid a near miss,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (04:51):
It's such a good example because despite
our best efforts to communicateclearly, we can't communicate
every possible area where itmight lie.
And really can we expect everyserver and restaurant staff in
the entire nation to understandfood allergies?
we're still learning it decadesin as parents.
Right.
So on both ends, it seems likethere's a lot of room for error
that could be so easilyeliminated with, with this bill,
(05:13):
with Addie's Law.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:15):
Yeah, a hundred
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:16):
what are you allergic to?
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:18):
I'm allergic to dairy, peanuts, tree
nuts and sesame.
When she was little, we made asong so she would remember.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:25):
oh, what a great idea.
Will you tell us about that?
I think parents would love tohear that.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:29):
I don't actually remember it.
We did, yeah.
She was little in preschoolthen, and I just made it to like
a little tune and she would justremember because it was so hard
for it in case no one everasked, you know, when she went
to school.
we did little things like tagson her backpack.
I made a QR code that they couldscan with her information in
case things like that.
That just
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:49):
Wow.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:49):
with communication.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (05:50):
So this is not your first out of the box
thinking as an allergy parent,it sounds like.
That's really creative that youdid that.
Addie and Robyn Lao (05:58):
It helps that I'm a nurse practitioner,
so I take care of, um, pediatricsurgery patients.
So obviously not an allergy, butI think this has been super
eye-opening for me as a provideras well.
just learning chronic illnessmanagement.
I.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (06:10):
Absolutely.
Well, and how did you make thatdecision then to take it beyond
managing it in your daily lifeto tackling the loss?
Addie and Robyn Lao (06:19):
Yeah, it was definitely a kind of
incremental steps, so, you know.
and off, not sure if youremember like FARE used to do
the, thing in DC and so Addiewas interested with that.
she had started, being a redsneakers for Oakley Ambassador
did a schoolwide assembly on herown, which was fantastic.
Last year in May I.
really wanted to kinda do more.
(06:40):
so she heard about that in DC Wetried to go, we couldn't make it
happen.
but I'm actually the legislativechair for our kind of local
chapter that I started forpediatric nurse practitioners.
It's called NAPNAP, NationalAssociation of Pediatric Nurse
Practitioners.
So, I'm the Sacramento chapterpast president and legislative
chair currently.
And because we live inSacramento, in the capital of
California, we were able toorganize a DF capital.
(07:04):
So I learned how to do that.
Set up meetings with centers,assembly members offices.
And Addie saw me doing this andshe's like, oh, well I wanna
join, I wanna do this.
And so I was like, oh my gosh,what a great idea.
Let's do this for food allergy.
and there was this little blurbon one of the assembly members
website that said.
Do you have any ideas?
Like, this should be a law.
And I'm like, oh, I didn't evenrealize you can do that, you
(07:25):
know, and propose something.
So it was kind of all theselittle steps that kind of moved
us forward.
And so did our D at the capital,we brought our little two pager
proposal, and ended up meetingSenator Menjivar's office, that
decided to help author the bill.
So.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (07:40):
That's great.
It pays to make connections withother people who have food
allergies.
Right.
I understand that.
That's why the receptivity wasthere.
Addie and Robyn Lao (07:48):
A hundred percent.
Yeah.
And initially we didn't knowthat she had food allergies
herself, so it was actually kindof happenstance.
she was on the Senate HealthCommittee, had experience in the
past as a paramedic, so wethought, oh, you know, reading
her bio that this might be agood alignment.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:03):
Addie, how many of those steps have you
been able to be involved with?
Because I imagine it's like alot of meetings, a lot of people
talking but what did you get todo?
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:12):
Um, so first we, um, me and mom went to
the capitol and we introducedthe bill.
So we wa so we went from senate,from office to office, talking
to senate aids, and Addie hadher own spiel too, that she
would start with, so she woulddefinitely participate in all
the meetings.
I introduced my name, myallergies, and I pretty much
(08:37):
introduced why I want this billto be a law.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:45):
Mm-hmm.
And how did people respond,especially to someone your age
talking about something so bigand important.
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:52):
they were pretty receptive.
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:54):
Yeah.
Addie and Robyn Lao (08:54):
some even shared that they had food
allergies themselves, or knew ofa family member.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (08:59):
Right.
Which is bound to happen becauseso many people have'em.
Right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:02):
Mm-hmm.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:03):
Okay, so what happened next?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:06):
Well then, um, Menjivar decides to take on
the bill and authored it.
so then we had to go again tothe Capitol to, um, persuade the
senate, the, Senate HealthCommittee, Senator Senate Health
Committee to, support our bail.
Mm-hmm.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:26):
Okay,
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:27):
Yeah.
So we went back in Februaryduring her.
Little February week off ofschool.
So it actually worked out well.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:33):
good timing.
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:34):
Yeah,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:34):
learning a lot about the legislative
process along the way, eventhough that wasn't the goal.
Right.
This is like a big educationalprocess for you too.
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:41):
yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:42):
And mom too.
I think most of us,
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:44):
Oh yeah.
And then, my third visit waswhen, I testified.
and that time I had my wholeclass come with me.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (09:54):
I saw the pictures of that.
What did that feel like to haveall of them there supporting
you?
Addie and Robyn Lao (09:59):
Um, I felt really proud that, um, all my
classmates had come to supportme and cheer me on,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:10):
Was that part the school day?
Did everyone went together andtook a field trip
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:14):
yeah.
Yeah.
And they gotta meet with peopletoo.
Yeah.
So they would go to, the officestoo, and they, would have their
little, um, they would have afew lines to talk to the aide.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:27):
About the topic and about your law.
So what kinds of things wouldthey say different from what you
were sharing?
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:33):
main, yeah.
They would share a menu thatdidn't have.
Any labeling and they would askthe aide to try to figure out
like which ones of them had soy,which one them, which ones
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:47):
Oh,
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:47):
them had nuts and you had no idea because
there are no labeling.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (10:51):
how would you know pop quiz for them?
Right?
Whose idea was that?
Addie and Robyn Lao (10:56):
Uh, yeah.
Alexa.
Yeah, as Alexa.
And she's our AAFA advocacycoordinator.
So she helped with that, whichwas a great idea.
It was brilliant.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (11:05):
Yeah,
Addie and Robyn Lao (11:06):
did it.
She went to the class the daybefore kind of gave them a
little prep meeting, um, andhelped make posters.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (11:14):
I saw some of those posters and it
just looked like it was such acommunity effort.
Like it feels so good to besupported in something.
Doesn't matter.
Awesome.
So, I know there was recently atown hall with FARE, which is
our advocacy organization, and alot of people are having a lot
of feelings about that.
So Addie, were you able toattend?
(11:35):
I know it was during school dayhours.
Addie and Robyn Lao (11:38):
Yeah, she, was unfortunately not able to
attend, nor I was undecided if Iwanted her to be there anyways.
But, I think it was good to hearfrom the community, we had over
a hundred people in attendance.
We're still waiting for therecording, unfortunately.
but really what I'm hoping isthat FARE will choose to do the
right thing, and withdraw theiropposition.
I think what was said was thatthey wanted to provide
(11:59):
amendments, which we are stillwaiting for.
so Sung Poblete did email methat afternoon after the town
hall, and I responded asking forthe amendment so we can meet and
I have not heard back.
So unfortunately, you know, withthe legislative process, there
are timelines not made by us,but by the process itself to
move things along.
'cause she herself said that shewanted the bill to pass this
(12:22):
year, which is wonderful.
So do we.
and so for that to happen, youknow, we do need amendments in
by the first week of May.
'cause we do have our senateappropriations coming forward,
and we're gonna get thatdecision by the end of May if we
can move forward past thatcommittee.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (12:35):
Okay.
And for those listening, we'rerecording this on April 21st,
2025.
I'll hope to have this episodeout tomorrow, the 22nd, but The
first week of May is not far offfrom what we're talking about
here.
This is really, Crunch time.
Do you have any indicationwhether it was during the town
hall or in separatecommunication, other than kind
of saying we could do better,was the message that I got, what
(12:57):
are the amendments in referenceto
Addie and Robyn Lao (12:59):
Yeah, it's actually unclear.
and I'd asked that question inthe chat during the town hall,
but didn't get a clear response,so they, she just kept
referencing amendments and so weare interested to hear what
those are, um, because.
Initially fair and CRA did meetwith the Senate's office in
February and their initial askwas to cancel the bill.
(13:21):
And so that's what they asked ofthe senator.
And in response, the senatorasked if they could bring
forward amendments.
'cause we were open tocollaboration.
The senator's office has beenopen the entire time.
they followed up two more times,in March and, and, I don't have
the exact dates.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (13:36):
That's okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (13:36):
the last time they followed up.
And.
Still hadn't heard back.
Unfortunately, all we did hearback was the letter of
opposition.
So this whole time we have beenwaiting for amendments and we
continue to wait for those.
But I'm unclear what thoseamendments are and if they're
feasible.
But we're happy to have adiscussion, and hoping they will
withdraw their opposition ifthey in fact are supportive of
(13:58):
menu labeling, which they statethey are.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (14:00):
Right, right.
Do you want to speak to thepiece of what we've learned
about them working with the.
App, the, the electronic,approach to this and how you
think that plays into thedecision.
Addie and Robyn Lao (14:12):
Yeah, good question.
So, you know, they referencedevery bite, which I'm not too
familiar, but it is a platformor an app that helps with menu
labeling, I believe.
that restaurants can basicallyuse this platform to type in
their recipes and then users beable to search their allergens
and, get information on what issafe for them.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (14:33):
As the bill is written and stands right
now, can you tell us more aboutwhat it's asking?
What you know people are sayingthe burden that is placing on
restaurant owners, so what is itactually asking of them?
Addie and Robyn Lao (14:42):
Yeah, so it's definitely asking for what
the meal contains, so top nineallergens.
If any of the meals contain thetop nine.
So we're not talking about crosscontact, we're just talking
about if it indeed containsthat.
It states clearly, on the menu.
what, what the meal contains.
I know there have been questionsabout precautionary labeling,
(15:05):
even for packaged goodscurrently that is not yet
mandated, so that's stillvoluntary, which we felt that
because it's still voluntary forpackaged foods, we couldn't ask
that for non packaged foods atthis time.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:16):
Right, right,
Addie and Robyn Lao (15:17):
obviously our first stepping stone, right?
To
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:19):
right.
I think it speaks to what manyof us in the community feel
there.
There's a lot of room for growthin all of our laws, but we're
still glad that those laws existas they stand now, even though
they're not ideal at the moment.
Right.
I think that's the spirit withany of this.
Addie and Robyn Lao (15:35):
Um, and I think FARE's point was they
wanted to look more towards, youknow, advanced ideas of using,
you know, these app platforms,et cetera, which we are open to,
but I think we have to startwith, you know, unfortunately
what the UK and the EU have hadin place for the last 10 years,
which is just simple labeling.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (15:54):
And is, is it that simple?
Just it's, they're required todo what you just described.
Label the top allergens ifthey're contained in the meal,
on the menu that's handed to youat the restaurant.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:04):
Correct.
That's what we're asking for.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (16:05):
Okay.
How long has that been in place?
In the eu.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:08):
Yeah, since 2014,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (16:10):
Okay.
So it's doable.
I think it's important forpeople to under, for small
restaurants to say, we could dothis.
This is doable.
Right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:18):
Yeah.
So at the town hall, Brian Ham,one of, he's a food allergy
father, and he unfortunatelylost his son, one of his sons,
um, food allergies.
So he spoke up and he's a smallbusiness restaurant owner with
Vitality Bowls and he said,absolutely, this is something we
can do.
Um, and you know, you said, putit on your menu.
Don't wait.
We need to save lives.
(16:38):
So, know, I think it's reallyimportant.
And to hear it from him as arestaurant owner himself is so
powerful.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (16:45):
Absolutely, nobody wants to take on
liability these days.
So if they can further protectthemselves, it seems like it
would be in everyone's bestinterest, even if it's, it's a
change.
People just don't like change.
They resist it.
Addie and Robyn Lao (16:55):
Yeah.
And with this bill, there's noincreased liability to
restaurants.
I think that's a concern of CRA.
Um, but when we spoke with somelawyers.
it sounded like there's noincreased liability at all.
If anything, it's shared nowwith the customer now that it's
disclosed.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (17:08):
Right and reduced risk, I would think we
Addie and Robyn Lao (17:10):
percent, There's actually, um, literature
out there.
It's so interesting.
2021, there's a journal articlethat was published by the
American College of Asthma,allergy and Immunology, and they
actually use the FARE database.
Information for this study, butthey showed that, you know, it
went from 53% risk of reactionswith just verbal conversations
(17:32):
about allergens with the waitstaff.
That number went all the waydown to 13% after menu labeling
and verbal communication.
So, you know, obviously FARE hadstated before false sense of
security, but.
food allergy parents, foodallergy patients, they're gonna
have those verbal conversationsand still double check.
And that's still very, verynecessary.
This just starts theconversation with good
(17:54):
information.
Right.
And so, um, the data, shows thatthis is gonna decrease reaction
rates.
That was part of how we kind ofthought about this bill
initially is Addie had awonderful experience at a, a
dumpling restaurant.
we're Chinese, so we went to arestaurant, which oftentimes
there's not very good labelingfor kind of Asian restaurants.
(18:17):
Right.
And Sesame, unfortunately isvery hard, um, because
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (18:20):
have s in my house too.
My son's been begging me fordumplings and.
Addie and Robyn Lao (18:24):
Yes.
So I actually learned how tomake them myself for home.
But you know, we always wantedher to join in at, at
restaurants.
So, um, this one restaurant hada wonderful grid, top nine.
Um, and then we were able tofind out, oh, great, the one
with chicken, not with pork,doesn't have sesame.
Um, and when we ordered, theyhave it on their ordering
device.
All the ingredients listed todouble check, they check again
(18:45):
with the chef.
We just went again two nightsago, um, to this restaurant and.
Amazing.
Like she was able to eat with ustogether for Mother's Day, and I
literally cried at the table.
I'm like, this is so remarkablethat labeling can really open
the doors.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (19:01):
Yeah.
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:01):
a really safe experience.
So this is what we wanted forthe food allergy community.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (19:05):
Yeah.
Addie, can you tell us what thatwas like?
Mom, teared up, it was soemotional for her, how is it for
you?
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:12):
Did you love it?
And yeah, I felt excited that wehad that, for me, and I think I
should be feeling that for everyrestaurant so I can dine safely.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (19:23):
Absolutely.
What are people saying to youwhen you're sharing, you're
doing so much advocating for thelaw, what's the feedback that
the two of you are getting fromkids and from adults and other
parents?
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (19:35):
Definitely people are telling us, you know,
we definitely need this.
Thank you so much for the goodwork.
I think they're really excited,because they understand, this is
something that will change theirlives and really save lives.
You know, being in healthcare,we're all about.
A culture of safety.
Addie knows I'm kind of aparanoid mom because I deal with
trauma.
(19:56):
I've worked in the pediatric ICUin the past.
I've seen a lot of terriblethings.
And unfortunately a lot of it ispreventable, you know?
And so that's why we haveseatbelt laws, helmet laws, you
know, things like that, right?
And so this is just one of thosethings.
We wanna change the culture offood safety.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (20:11):
Exactly.
I think that's such a goodpoint.
We look at all these otherthings.
I, I think of MADD, the MothersAgainst Drunk Driving
Organization made so much changein our country about something
that was so preventable, and wehave to take action and we have
to speak up for what we want.
And I, I have so much respectfor you along those lines of
what you're doing for all of ourkids and all of us, adults too.
Would you say kind of whatyou're hearing back from other
(20:32):
folks after the FARE Town Halland what their reaction was or
kind of what responses you'regetting.
Addie and Robyn Lao (20:38):
Yeah, I think there was a lot of shock.
You know, I don't, I think whenthe fair opposition letter came
out, obviously.
was very shocked.
Um, but I don't think the foodallergy community knew about
that quite yet until the hearinghappened.
Um, and then posted obviously,and just, it coming out more to
the public.
I think a lot of it is thesentiment of Wow FARE should be
(21:01):
representing the food allergycommunity.
They are our advocacy group.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (21:05):
Mm-hmm.
Addie and Robyn Lao (21:06):
and how have they turned their back,
their backs on us, so.
I'm really hoping that that canbe corrected, that they will
come along.
'cause I think it's reallyneeded.
but we do have over 35organizations that have signed
on to support.
It's a really community drivenbill, so we have, you know, a
thousand individuals that signedon for the bill.
Separately.
(21:26):
We had over 25 individualsupport, letters of allergy
patients, mothers telling theirown story of why this is needed.
Um.
just had the American NurseAssociation, Cal in California,
sign on, the American College ofAsthma.
Allergy Immunology.
There's definitely a lot ofsupport for this.
and I think, the blessing indisguise with all of this coming
(21:49):
out is that more people knowabout the bill now to want to
support further.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (21:53):
Absolutely.
I was thinking the same thingand I was wondering, Addie, are
you on social media?
Do you have any social mediaaccounts?
You do.
I mean, I follow your account.
Is it you?
Is it, do you help with that?
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:05):
Yeah.
She sees what I'm posting.
Yeah, but mostly it's mom that'smonitoring.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:10):
I figured.
I figured.
But do you know, do you get tosee how excited everybody is
about what you're doing and likeeverybody knows who you are?
Everybody in food allergies islike"Go Addie!".
It's not just your classroomwith posters.
It's all of us.
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:23):
That's amazing.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:24):
Do you know that?
Do you get, do you hear, get tohear any of it or read any of
it?
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:27):
Yeah, sometimes, um, look down at the
comments like, um, you'll see,people like go, Addie.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (22:41):
That's how excited we all are about you
and everything you're doing, andobviously it's so powerful to
have a face to put with, the lawand, and all of the change that
we've all wanted for so long,
Addie and Robyn Lao (22:51):
So exciting.
I know we're so honored becausereally Addie and I are pretty
new to food allergy advocacy,right.
And so all the people that weused to follow and we still
follow of course, um, you know,Elijah LA Foundation, allergy
Strong.
Like they are just coming out tohelp support us, which has been
amazing for us.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (23:09):
Yeah.
Well, for the people who arelistening, I mean, I know some
of those amazing organizations,many of them are on your side.
For the folks who are youreveryday allergy community,
people, I.
What can they do?
What else can they do at thispoint where the law is to help
support and move forward andpush through some of what feels
like resistance from from fair?
(23:29):
I.
Addie and Robyn Lao (23:30):
Yeah, absolutely.
So if they live in California,they have to be California
residents for this piece.
but if they wanna join me, inmeetings with the Senate
offices, May 12th is when I'llbe doing that next, and that can
be virtual.
Um, so virtual or in person ifyou happen to live near
Sacramento.
Um, but if you don't, virtual isdefinitely an option.
We're working on setting upthose meetings now.
(23:51):
Um, because after it passes,Senate Appropriations Committee
would go to the Senate floor.
Um, and so we definitely needhelp.
There's a lot of meetings thatwe'll have to be doing.
Um, and with Assembly side inmind too, we may start also
offering some meetings theretoo.
So there's a signup link on ourwebsite.
Addie tells all, that you cansign up there then if you are
(24:12):
not a California resident orthat day doesn't work, um,
that's okay too.
We, we really want restaurants.
businesses, any organization itall means so, so much.
I think really showing thecommunity support is so
important.
we know there's one organizationthat's currently not there yet,
but it doesn't matter.
We have a lot of others that arein support and we would love
(24:35):
that to, be official and havethem sign on to the joint letter
with AAFA so there's anotherlink on our website as well if
you wanna sign on for thatoutreach effort.
We can definitely shareinformation and links that can
be sent to their organizationsand friends.
Think widely what yourconnections are, to kind of help
with that.
And organizations don't have tobe just California based.
(24:56):
So in any nationalorganizations, if there's a,
group that thinks this isimportant and wants to sign on,
super important for that tohappen as well.
So, you know, I think it's just.
So meaningful to community,right?
And so what the legislativeoffices wanna see is that
support behind it.
So it really helps to have themsign on to these letters.
and if there are restaurantsthat you know, people frequent
(25:17):
and you know, that havewonderful labeling or are really
food allergy friendly, go thereand ask them.
I think that's all reallyhelpful of like.
Featuring them, giving themkudos, making sure they know we
appreciate it, and then askingthem to sign on to support since
they're already doing some ofthis.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (25:34):
Right, and because I think the
businesses who are doing it havelearned that once they get our
business, we are loyal, repeat.
Spend, buy all the things, ordereverything on the menu
customers, because it's such atreat, right?
Addie and Robyn Lao (25:46):
A hundred percent.
And you know, the reason whywe're doing this is so we can
dine out, right?
Like we want to be part of thatdining out community.
We want to be out there andsupport businesses.
So I think this is gonna be areally a win-win in the end.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (25:58):
And I think that is an important point
a lot of us have been having.
Very complicated emotionalresponses to, to the opposition
from FARE.
what can happen is when we feelthat feeling of surprise, or I
think some people have used theword betrayal.
I don't wanna speak for you, butwe put a lot of faith and time
and, and money toward,fundraising and all the things
(26:19):
that we do.
So when we feel that sense ofbetrayal, our nervous system
shuts down.
We wanna give up.
I know you're not giving up,.
So give us more hope.
Things are still on track as faras moving forward with the
meetings and hearings.
What else needs to happen next?
Senate appropriations is nextcorrect.
Addie and Robyn Lao (26:36):
Mm-hmm.
So, yeah, so even with theletters of opposition from
California RestaurantAssociation and FARE, we did
pass successfully through theSenate Health Committee 11 to
zero.
Um, so that was just an overallmajority vote, which was
amazing.
Our next step is the SenateAppropriations Committee, which
looks at the financial impact ofthe bill.
so that's currently in processbasically by May 23rd.
(26:59):
We should know if that passes ornot.
And then it moves on to theSenate floor, which is that
first week in June.
they don't set the exact dateyet until as it comes closer.
Um, but that first week in June,we'll know if we pass the Senate
or not to move forward to theassembly side.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (27:15):
Okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (27:15):
the assembly side, you know, if
people wanna come in person,just like they saw with the
Senate Health Committee, that'sthat next opportunity.
So that's, where there's gonnabe testimony in-person support
opportunities.
And that will be probably aroundJune, july, late June, July time
for the Senate, assembly HealthCommittee.
Sorry.
that's where that would bereally impactful.
(27:37):
so obviously those dates will bemarked out later.
Um, but then it goes toassembly.
Appropriations after thatassembly floor.
Um, and then we should know ifit reaches the governor's office
September, October.
So really the last kinda datesfor a bill to become a law.
This cycle for this year wouldbe that first week in October.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (27:59):
For this, this next step for the Senate
Appropriation Committee, theamendments have to be finalized
at that step.
Am I understanding correctly?
Addie and Robyn Lao (28:05):
Good questions.
So we want the amendments to bein by this Senate appropriations
that's when really theamendments, need to go in,
Really by May 2nd, because youknow, in the legislative
process.
to go through, right?
It has to be reviewed,legislative council, et cetera.
It has to be entered by correcttiming before, it can't be right
(28:26):
before they vote.
It has to be so that committeehas time to review it, et
cetera.
So, you know, there's this wholeprocess, there's a timeline.
Um, and so we're really hopingto move forward.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (28:37):
Addie, what else do you wanna tell us
about why you think this lawmatters and we should all keep
supporting you to keep pushingit forward?
Addie and Robyn Lao (28:46):
I think, that you should keep pushing it
forward because it'll make sucha big impact with, me.
Millions of other kids have foodallergies and their parents.
so make it so much easier forthe parents and, the kids will
feel so much safer, um, whenthey dine out at restaurants.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (29:07):
I agree and we all want kids to be safer
and adults.
I think a lot of us forget,there are millions of adults who
have food allergies too, whothere haven't, hasn't been as
much advocacy in their lifetimesand they're used to just dealing
with it on their own and nothaving so much support and, and
resources and options adultsdeserve it too.
Right.
Addie and Robyn Lao (29:26):
Yeah, 4 million people in California are
affected.
And that number is just rising,in the last decade tripled, the
amount of people with foodallergies.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (29:33):
I like to ask everybody who comes on the
podcast, Tell me somethingawesome about food allergies.
Addie and Robyn Lao (29:40):
you know, it's so, so interesting that
this has brought us to thispoint where we're making so many
new friends in the food outagecommunity.
I mean, I think the support hasbeen so outstanding that it's
just, it's really wonderful.
You know, it's kind of been thispassion project of ours that now
has become this bill that Ican't even believe how far we've
(30:01):
come and just how far we'regonna be going with this.
so it's really exciting, to knowhow connected we are.
the community.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:09):
Thank you for doing all that for the
community.
We're all eager to back you.
What about you, Addie?
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:14):
I think that, with all this legislation,
I'm learning more about thelegislative process, making
spill,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:23):
Yeah, and Robin, I'm sure you'll agree,
all of us as food allergyparents, watch our kids and
whatever comes to you in yourlife that you have to tackle
makes each and every one of youand us as parents so much
stronger.
So Addie, you're learning aboutthe law do you think you might
wanna do something with thatsomeday?
Or do you have other ideas foryour future?
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:41):
Yeah.
Tell her what you wanna be.
I be an allergist when I growup.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (30:44):
oh my gosh, you're gonna have so many
patients.
Everyone's gonna wanna bringyou, like the laws are gonna all
be named after you, like mydoctor.
So cool.
Addie and Robyn Lao (30:58):
Addie's been so resilient with this,
during COVID that's when westarted her little YouTube
project, just because we, Inever learned how to cook.
kind of growing up and soneeding to kind of learn how to
make safe foods for Addie, wekind of did it together looking
at Pinterest recipes and then wewanted to remember how to make
certain things.
So we started making littlevideos and then we're like, oh
yeah, we should just post thisso other people can use them.
(31:19):
So it's kind of been this littlejourney of ours.
she just made a little Eastertreat Lemon bar recipe recently,
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:26):
Really?
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:26):
still doing that for fun, but it's, it's
something that we've kind ofgrown together
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:31):
Yeah.
And you called it a littlejourney, but it's not so little
anymore.
It got very big.
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:35):
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:36):
So I, I asked my son who has allergies
every time I have an interviewwhat he wants me to ask,
because, he's the reason thatI'm doing all of this.
I promised him I would figureout how to make him dumplings.
What is the best recipe?
Peanut tree nut, sesame.
And I know you know, sesame isthe hardest thing to avoid, so
tell me what to do.
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:54):
We have a, we have a YouTube video.
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (31:56):
All right.
And what's the YouTube channel?
Addie and Robyn Lao (31:59):
Addie tells all
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:00):
it's, that's the name of the YouTube
channel too.
Okay.
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:03):
Yep.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:03):
go,
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:04):
loves pot stickers and dumplings.
That's her favorite food.
So.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:08):
I'm sure that everybody in our house will
too, once I take the time tofigure that out.
What else are you hoping toshare
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:14):
people who are interested in supporting to
reference our website andclicking on those links so that
we can keep in touch and stayorganized.
and opportunities like this,this is so important, thank you
for letting us use yourplatform.
To help get the word out.
And I would encourage anyone whowants to help tell at least five
to 10 people,'cause it's allabout connections, all about
building our community ofsupporters and really helping
(32:36):
move that forward.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (32:37):
Okay.
Tell someone, sign up, sharethis, send this, get the word
out.
Absolutely.
Do you have any other thoughts?
Addie, for the last words,
Addie and Robyn Lao (32:46):
Yeah.
I want, kids with allergies likeme to know that even though that
we're small, we can still make adifference.
Dr. Amanda Whitehou (32:57):
Absolutely.
Thank you for making adifference for you and for
everyone in California, and I'mall the way in New York, but I
know that Everyone is energeticand motivated by what you're
doing, so thank you for doingthat because I know it's not
just gonna be California.
This is gonna change the wayfood allergies are handled in
our country.
Can you feel that
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:16):
Yeah.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (33:17):
it's coming right?
Big change is coming.
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:19):
California started with nutrition labeling
and brought it to the rest ofthe us so I'm hoping the same
for this.
Dr. Amanda Whitehouse (33:25):
Yeah.
Thank you on our behalf foreverything that you're doing,
for all of us.
Addie and Robyn Lao (33:30):
Thank you so much.
This is awesome.
you don't need me to list actionsteps for you today.
Robin and Addie did thatperfectly.
So check the show notes if youneed the links, and take action
and share with anyone andeveryone you can, especially the
connections and people that youmight know in California.
Thanks for listening.
the content of this podcast isfor informational and
(33:52):
educational purposes only, andis not a substitute for
professional medical or mentalhealth advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.
If you have any questions aboutyour own medical experience or
mental health needs, pleaseconsult a professional.
I'm Dr.
Amanda White house.
Thanks for joining me.
And until we chat again,remember don't feed the fear.
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