Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recently teamed up with a Long Island family to advocate for gluten warnings on packaged foods and restaurant menus nationwide.
As he considers a bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination next year, Blakeman urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to mandate clear labeling of gluten content in food products and meals.
He emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, “So many people have celiac disease.” At a press conference, he pointed out the need for proper labeling to help individuals with food allergies or autoimmune diseases know what is safe to eat.
Parents of children suffering from celiac disease echoed his sentiments, supporting the push for a federal rule that would identify potentially harmful foods.
One local child, 11-year-old Jude Leveson, described living with the disease as “like torture.” He mentioned that approximately 14,000 individuals in Nassau County alone are affected by the condition, enough people to fill the UBS Arena in Elmont.
Another child, Jax Bali, also 11, shared his thoughts after the press conference: “If gluten was labeled, life would be a lot easier.”
Both kids expressed the challenges they face while trying to avoid gluten, a protein found in common ingredients like wheat, barley, and rye, prevalent in many breads, pastas, and cereals.
For instance, Jude recounted having to bring his own cupcakes to parties and spending excessive time at the grocery store checking labels to ensure products are gluten-free. He also mentioned the frustration of avoiding various snacks due to uncertainty about gluten content.
The families pointed out that having gluten labels on menus would significantly alleviate the stress of dining out, highlighting the uncertainty they face when hoping restaurant staff know which dishes are safe.
Stacey Leveson, Jude’s mother, noted that “eighty-seven other countries are already doing it.” She believes the U.S. should follow suit, stating, “We don’t need to reinvent the system.” She stressed the potential positive impact on both mental and physical health for those living with celiac disease, saying, “This will be life-changing for everyone.”
