LONG BEACH, Calif. — Each year, food allergies send 30,000 people to the emergency room and cause 150 deaths, according to the USDA. 

Given food-allergies can be deadly, the fear of ending in the hospital leads many with severe allergies to avoid eating out altogether. 

It's why the Food Allergy Institute in Long Beach has launched an initiative called the Food Allergy Alliance. They aim to partner up with local restaurants to train staff on food anaphylaxis and help ensure customers are safe and comfortable dining without the fear of an allergic reaction. 

The program has secured their first restaurant, Thai District, and will begin the training process with the end goal of having all staff know how to administer an EpiPen and provide an allergen-free menu.