A Toronto councillor wants every restaurant in the city to stock EpiPens, in case one of their customers has a serious allergic reaction.
James Pasternak is moving a motion at council this week asking staff to look into the cost to the city or restaurant industry, what enforcement would look like, and what kind of training would be necessary.
An EpiPen costs about $120, and expires after 18 months. The chemical epinephrine is critical when someone suffers a serious allergic reaction, to reverse severe low blood pressure and open airways.
About 2.5 million Canadians report having at least one food allergy. It is estimated that 3,500 Canadians suffer anaphylactic shock each year, and 10-15 of them die.
The restaurant industry is concerned about the proposal.
WATCH: Justine Lewkowicz reports
WATCH: Restaurant industry concerned about proposal to make EpiPens mandatory. @JustineLewkowic reports pic.twitter.com/nEyalQAsq1
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) March 27, 2017