SCR 179

Introduced by Senator Niello
 Relative to Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
This measure would recognize May 2026 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
WHEREAS, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine when a person eats foods with gluten; and
WHEREAS, Gluten is a form of protein found in some grains that individuals living with celiac disease need to avoid, including wheat, rye, and barley; and
WHEREAS, The damage to the intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, especially fat, calcium, iron, and folate; and
WHEREAS, Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 2,500,000 Americans who have celiac disease remain undiagnosed and at risk for long-term health complications; and
WHEREAS, Common symptoms of celiac disease include severe abdominal pain, severe skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, iron deficiency anemia, musculoskeletal problems, muscle cramps, seizures, tingling sensation in the legs, and depression; and
WHEREAS, Celiac disease can leave a person susceptible to additional health problems, including osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, growth problems in children affected by the disease because they do not absorb enough nutrients, and cancers of the digestive system; and
WHEREAS, People who have celiac disease may have other autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease and colitis, and juvenile arthritis; and
WHEREAS, Some people with celiac disease have so much damage to their intestines that a gluten-free diet will not improve their condition, and these patients may need to receive nutritional supplements intravenously; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be a difficult change, as gluten is found in some products in which gluten is not naturally occurring; and
WHEREAS, Gluten is found in most processed foods, but it is also used in nonedible products such as lipsticks, vitamins, and medications; and
WHEREAS, Gluten-free food touching the same surface as gluten-containing food can cause cross-contamination that can be dangerous for someone with celiac disease by triggering celiac disease symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Awareness for celiac disease has grown significantly in recent years; and
WHEREAS, The development of new gluten-free food products has made it much easier for people with celiac disease to expand their dietary options; and
WHEREAS, Labeling of gluten-free products makes shopping easier for people with celiac disease; and
WHEREAS, Gluten-free restaurants, gluten-free menus, and the education of food handlers regarding celiac disease have given people living with celiac disease safer options for dining out; and
WHEREAS, Progress has been made in recent years to educate people about celiac disease and identify ways to improve their quality of life; now, therefore, be it
 Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring,  That May 2026 be recognized as Celiac Disease Awareness Month; and be it further
 Resolved,  That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.