322: Making Dining Safer by Law: Illinois Steps Up for Gluten-Free Guests
Imagine this: You're out to dinner with your staff. One of them has celiac disease. The server doesn’t know what gluten is. The kitchen isn’t sure either.
That moment? It sparked real change in Illinois.
In this episode of Eating at a Meeting, Tracy talks with State Senator Sally Turner, the powerhouse behind Illinois Senate Bill 1288—a bill that will make Illinois one of the safest places to dine out if you live with celiac disease.
It’s a big deal.
This new law, signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on August 1, 2024, requires ALL food handlers in the state to be trained on celiac disease, gluten-free protocols, and preventing cross-contact.
Senator Turner shares how a personal connection turned into statewide action—and why this matters not just for restaurants, but for anyone planning events, catering menus, or feeding guests.
Because safety shouldn't depend on luck. It should be built into the system.
Imagine this: You're out to dinner with your staff. One of them has celiac disease. The server doesn’t know what gluten is. The kitchen isn’t sure either.
That moment? It sparked real change in Illinois.
In this episode of Eating at a Meeting LIVE, I’m talking with State Senator Sally Turner, the powerhouse behind Senate Bill 1288—a bill that could soon make Illinois one of the safest places to dine out if you live with celiac disease.
It’s a big deal.
This new law (awaiting the governor’s signature) would require ALL food handlers in the state to be trained on celiac disease, gluten-free protocols, and preventing cross-contact.
Senator Turner shares how a personal connection turned into statewide action—and why this matters not just for restaurants, but for anyone planning events, catering menus, or feeding guests.
Because safety shouldn't depend on luck. It should be built into the system.
We’ll cover:
✅ Why the bill passed unanimously
✅ What it means for hotels, venues & caterers
✅ How this legislation could shape SOPs and training far beyond Illinois
✅ Why awareness isn’t enough without action
Whether you're gluten-free, planning meals, or pushing for safer dining—this conversation is one you’ll want to be part of.
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Sally Turner
State Senator for the 44th Senate District of Illinois
Sally Turner is the State Senator for the 44th Senate District of Illinois. She has been serving in the Senate since 2021, and was chosen as the Caucus Whip for the Senate Republican Caucus.
Sally is a lifelong resident of Illinois and a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in legal studies. She went on to become a juvenile probation officer before serving six years as a paralegal in the Office of the Logan County State’s Attorney. Her public service career began in 1994, when she was elected as Logan County Clerk and Recorder followed by five more consecutive re-elections.
Senator Turner currently serves as the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate State Government Committee as well as a member of the Senate Agriculture, Appropriations, Appropriations – Education, Child Welfare, Local Government, and Revenue committees. She also serves as a member of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.
Sally Turner resides in Logan County with her husband, John. She has one son and one daughter. Illinois’ 44th Senate District is in Central Illinois and includes all or parts of DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Piatt, Sangamon, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.
