U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Allergen Safety

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the Allergen Disclosure in Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act, which would require pharmaceutical companies to clearly label common allergens present in medications. 

The ADINA Act is named after Minnesota’s Third District constituent Adina, who suffered a severe allergy attack due to an unlabeled allergen in an antibiotic. Adina, who recovered and is now entering high school, brought her concerns to the U.S. House of Representatives and is a fierce advocate for allergy safety. 

The ADINA Act is co-led by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Ben Cline (VA-06). 

The bill has received endorsements from: 

“Nobody should be in danger of a life-threatening allergy attack simply because they took medication,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “This bill will improve the safety of millions of Americans with food allergies – I’m thankful to my constituent Adina and her family for their fight to make our country safer and healthier.”

“Every American has a right to know what’s in the medications they take. Whether it’s a prescription drug or something over the counter, no one should face the risk of a serious allergic reaction because of hidden ingredients,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “The bipartisan ADINA Act requires clear labeling of the top nine allergens and gluten in medications, bringing greater transparency and protecting patient safety.”

“Food allergies are a life-threatening obstacle for millions of Americans. Common allergens such as lactose and glucose are a staple in certain drugs’ manufacturing, but right now our pharmaceutical companies are not required to label these ingredients. This creates unnecessary invisible health risks for people in need of medication.” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “Consumer transparency is paramount, especially in pharmaceuticals. That’s why my colleagues and I have sponsored the Allergen Disclosure in Non-food Articles Act. We must protect everyone that relies on medications to live their lives in the healthiest way possible.” 

“Every American deserves to know exactly what is in the medicines they rely on, especially when hidden allergens can trigger life-threatening reactions,” said Congressman Ben Cline. “I am proud to co-lead the ADINA Act, which brings the same clear labeling standards we expect on food to prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.”

“Our daughter Adina had a serious reaction to a medication because we had no idea it contained one of her allergens. Watching her suffer and feeling powerless was one of the most frightening moments of our lives and no parent should have to experience that. We’re deeply grateful to Representative Morrison for taking this fight on with us,” said Jennifer and Seth Togal. “The ADINA Act will bring transparency, safety, and peace of mind to tens of millions of people, who fight daily to protect their loved ones with food allergies, intolerances and Celiac Disease, like ours.” 

"The ADINA Act would address a critical gap in medication labeling by requiring the disclosure of inactive ingredients that are allergenic to some people," said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). "These ingredients serve as fillers or binders in medications and are often undisclosed, leaving patients with sensitivity to those allergens vulnerable to severe reactions. The legislation would ensure transparency, empowering consumers and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about medications. We look forward to working with the bill cosponsors and with other key stakeholders to advance the legislation during the 119th Congress." 

Original Co-sponsors: Fitzpatrick, Bacon