This week marks this year's Food Allergy Awareness Week, with the theme, "New Tools, New Laws, New Hope."

Did you know that about 12 million Americans have an allergy to at least one food such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy? In some cases, it can even lead to anaphylactic shock and be fatal. And because there is no cure, allergy sufferers rely on you and me to spread awareness about food allergies. In so doing, we could be saving lives.

"The 2006 Food Allergy Awareness Week campaign kicks off on Mother's Day, such an appropriate day to salute the millions of mothers of children with food allergy who do so much to educate others in order to keep their children safe," said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, CEO and Founder of FAAN . "The new labeling law marks a new beginning as we continue to increase awareness about this growing public health concern within our communities and ask ourselves to help keep children safe."

If you want to initiate a food allergy awareness campaign in your community, company, or school, there are educational materials available online for the general public, though FAAN, for children, through FanKids and for teens, through FAANTeen.