Life Threatening Food Allergies in School
What Schools Are Doing for Kids Who Are Allergic to Peanuts
Dec 29, 2008
Many children with food allergies will experience the following minor symptoms: hives, itchiness, rash, and sneezing. But a few who are extremely intolerant, including those allergic to peanuts, have allergic reactions that are more alarming such as vomiting, swelling of throat muscles, breathing problems, and even death.
Even if they learn to read labels and avoid certain foods, these children may be exposed to minute, harmful residues by touching doorknobs, tables, and others’ hands. Schools have responded by coming up with varying solutions that provide a safer environment for all.
The Peanut Free Lunch Table
Many schools that allow peanut products in classrooms and the cafeteria have set aside a peanut-free lunch table that is scrubbed down before and after each lunch period, removing traces of nut oils and dust.
Allergy Free Blocks and Other School Supplies
Administrators and teachers in many schools have come up with another way to limit risks of severely allergic children by providing sets of blocks, puzzles, books, and “community” school supplies that are not handled by any other child except the allergic one. This may further curtail the possibility that children with food allergies will be exposed to harmful substances.
Other Steps Taken at Lunch and in Class
School cafeteria food suppliers have developed individually sealed peanut butter sandwiches that are made offsite and are then kept in a specially marked case in the lunchroom that kids with a peanut allergy are taught to avoid.
Because there is also a fear that children with severe allergies may hold hands and be victims of cross contamination, they are now strongly encouraged or in some cases even required to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after they eat.
Additionally, students with specific food intolerance may have their pictures with emergency contacts and instructions posted in strategic locations throughout the school (classroom, lunchroom, nurse’s office).
Special Peanut Free Classrooms
Going a step further, some schools will place students of the same age with food allergies into the same classroom and designate that room as a peanut-free (or other) zone. For parties, families who plan to bring in foods are asked to make sure they do not contain peanut products or possible trace amounts of the offending substance. Lessons that normally require the use or handling of foods are modified to contain allergy free foods or nonfood alternatives.
504 Plans for the Student with a Food Allergy
Not all students with allergies will be eligible for a 504 plan, but those that are very young, have anaphylactic allergies, and cannot yet read labels may well fit into the criteria set forth by the Rehabilitation Act. Going much further than a casual discussion with the teacher, a 504 Plan provides the child and family of that child with a legal document effectively protecting his/her civil rights in case of harassment, bullying, and negligence.
In a typical 504 plan for severe allergies, one may find information on where the student should eat and where one may find anaphylaxis medications. Also, there may be a list of necessary training requirements for school personnel.
The School Peanut Ban
A controversial move has been taken in some schools to ban peanuts altogether rather than face the possibility that an allergic reaction may occur, or that legal measures may be sought against them. This has caused a stir among families of non-allergic children, who are required to take drastic measures to ensure that their children’s lunches are completely peanut-free.
Currently, many more schools are declaring peanut-free zones and are even banning peanuts entirely as they begin to understand the risks and dire consequences facing children with peanut or other food allergies.
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