I called FAAN yesterday, they left me a VM at my office. They said that because there is a lawsuit going on that they can not make a comment. They are trying to come up with someway to educate MSNBC, but can not come out directly and comment on this.
I think you will get more satisfaction if you call FAAN directly and speak with someone. Emails are great, but they are easily ignored. Everyone should call them today...
Has anyone called MSNBC and asked to speak with Susan Filan? I wonder if she has an office there?
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[url="http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy"]http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy[/url]

This is the response I received from FAAN.
Thanks for your e-mail. FAAN is closely monitoring the media coverage surrounding the lawsuit against McDonald's. Unfortunately, since there are legal implications, FAAN cannot issue a public comment about the lawsuit itself, or about any comments made regarding the lawsuit on TV or in other media. However, we will use any opportunity we can to raise public awareness about the seriousness of food allergies.
Debbie
So, they aren't allowed to comment on something when a lawsuit is involved??? What do you all think?
[This message has been edited by saknjmom (edited August 15, 2007).]

I couldn't find an email address for Susan directly. Did anyone else see one?

from someone in another post - [email]sfilan@gmail.com[/email]
I think FAAN has to stay out of this in case they are asked to give some testimony in this case. Maybe as an "expert witness" sort of thing...
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[url="http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy"]http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy[/url]

I don't understand why FAAN cannot contact MSNBC and point out that their Senior Legal Analysit should not comment on matters out of her area of expertise. Maybe they should have called in a food allergy expert to handle the questions regarding the validity of the reaction and the severity of dairy allergies. Even tell the difference between lactose intolerance and food allergy.
It just seems like MSNBC is looking at this as another frivolous lawsuit, but along the way made food allergies seem frivolous as well.

Dear Ms. Filan,
I was disppointed to see such a flippant treatment of food allergy on your segment regarding the McDonald's lawsuit. While it seems obvious that the man in question should have checked his own food for something as obvious as cheese, a true food allergy doesn't give you a mere stomachache. It can and often does cause serious reactions, including death.
We have a two year old son who has peanut allergy. We're constantly having to educate family, friends, and colleagues about food allergy. There is most definitely ignorance regarding his condition, and often we encounter the same sort of disbelief and dismissal that you projected for millions to see. It saddens me that a respected news source would perpetuate the very misunderstanding that makes it so much more difficult to keep my son a safe little boy. Every time I hear a comment insuinating that food allergies are ridiculous, it breaks my heart a little more for my baby and frightens me as I attempt to help him have a normal life.
I urge you to do some research and air a segment on food allergy. It's unfortunately a growing ailment and is changing society--from the way schools function to how restaurants prepare their food.
Thanks for your time.
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Why isn't FAAN all over this?

[url="http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=371174"]http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=371174[/url]
I started a topic on the MSNBC site, maybe they will take notice if it is on their site.
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[url="http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy"]http://www.firstgiving.com/peanutallergy[/url]

FAAN need make no comment on the lawsuit.
But it certainly should make a statement about the misleading statements this uneducated (re: food allergies) lawyer made publicly. That is the issue that concerns us - not the lawsuit.
Her statements and attitude need amending. Publicly. I hope someone can get through to her and MSNBC.

Just sipping my coffee here.... haven't looked at the clip yet. I know it'll make me sick.
Can I ask.... why is everybody all over about FAAN being on top of this? They haven't always been the best ones, or the be all and end all, when it comes to FA's.
Aren't there any other food allergy advocacy groups out there to contact, or what about something like AAAAI? Or even Chris, who runs PA.com?
Is there any advocacy group associated with Sabrina Shannon out there who promotes FA info?

?
[This message has been edited by HaroldsMom (edited August 20, 2007).]