With the increase in children with peanut allergies, there is often great debate as to whether a school should be made peanut free. Those within the food allergy community and those outside of the food allergy community have argued both the pros and cons of labeling a school peanut free. Here are some of the popular arguments.
False Sense of Security
Many within and not within the food allergy community feel that labeling a school peanut free causes a false sense of security. Children and parents may let their guard down assuming there is little to no chance of an allergic reaction.
The main argument is that no school can ever ensure it is completely peanut free nor can all students and staff be monitored to ensure no peanut products come into the school.
The term peanut safe has been brought up in place of peanut free. However, those that oppose peanut free/safe schools still feel it offers a false sense of security.
Those in favor argue that it does not offer a false sense of security but helps to limit(minimize)potential allergic reactions.
Either way, some schools choose to go peanut free and some do not. It usually depends upon the number of peanut allergic kids, the size of the school, logistics as well as many other factors.
Our Elementary School is not peanut free however all classrooms are now labeled peanut and tree nut free. This is a new policy this year. The argument is that more and more children are entering the school with peanut allergies and most of the classrooms are peanut free already because there is a peanut allergic child present. In the upper elementary grades, students rotate classrooms therefore the peanut/tree nut free/safe policy became a necessity.
Rights of the Food Allergic vs. Others
Some argue the legal right for their child to consume whatever food they want and that schools can not ban any food. This is a gray area and if a parent chose to take a school to court over the issue they would more than likely lose. Unless their child had a medical condition that required the consumption of peanuts or tree nuts,they would not have a very strong arugment. However, since there are many peanut/tree nut substitutes available, a child with a conflicting medical condition could more than likely find such a substitute.
Schools do in fact put bans in place all of the time. Some schools ban gum, candy, certain clothing, cell phones, hand held video games and more.
Where does the Ban End?
Some argue that if peanuts are banned for the peanut allergic than milk should also be banned for the milk allergic and soon kids will have nothing left to eat in school.
This is a weak argument due to the nature of the peanut and peanut residue, the high number of children with peanut allergies, and the severity of peanut allergic reactions overall compared to that of other allergens.
However, if a school has a child or numerous children with food allergies and a history of reaction similar to that of those with peanut allergies - the situation must be considered since all life threatening food allergies are considered a disability under disability law.
Is it necessary that schools be peanut free? This isn't a question that can be simply answered nor is it a black and white issue. No one person, group or organization can reasonably take a stance for or against peanut free schools as all children and food allergies are not created equally. Schools must weigh their decision on a case by case basis considering the children in their schools and the severity of their allergies. Oftentimes other accommodations can be made, but it depends largely on the situation of each and every school.
If you have a peanut allergic child and wish your school made better accommodations for him/her, you should first speak with the school principal and school nurse as well as your child's classroom teacher. If you fail to get anywhere you should then contact the director of special education and address whether your child needs a 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan.
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Ruth LovettSmith
Founder of http://www.bestallergysites.com/
Your Food Allergy and Gluten Free Guide, and the largest Internet directory of allergy related companies, sites, and blogs.
Disclaimer: I'm a food allergy advocate and mom of a food allergic child. I am NOT an allergist. My comments are based on my research and experiences. Please speak to your doctor regarding medical concerns.
What a great topic. I have
What a great topic. I have often thought it would be nice if my daughter's school was peanut free. But even if it was, it never could be completely peanut free and therefore she still would have to be just as careful as she is now. With so many food items being processed in the same facility as peanuts, etc. there would still be far too many students bringing in food items that may contain peanuts even though they didn't realize it.
Hey there my fellow allergy
Hey there my fellow allergy people. I have pretty bad allergies and i have read that bioflavonoid which is a vitamin found in peppers help to block the reaction. I enjoy organic chili powder and find that this helps when mixed with food. Yeast and sugar should be avoided because candida a yeast over growth in the stomach can cause allergies. I find that drinking a lot of water helps to flush the body. I have read that pesticides are sprayed on peppers so that is why I do organic. The FDA also warned that genetically modified organisms may cause allergies and even autism. There is a list online of the most highly sprayed produce and I am trying to follow an organic non GMO diet. I am not sure that this is helpful for food allergies but I wanted to share the information I have with someone.
This was a great post....it
This was a great post....it makes you think..so funny...my child cannot wear silly bands to school, cannot wear a jacket that has a hood...but there is no problem if a child wants to bring walnuts as a classroom snack. Incredible when you look at it this way.
I have been fighting this
I have been fighting this battle for 3 years now. This year her school is refusing to do simple hand washing because they said it is too time consuming. Most schools have taken out pop machines and vending machines due to obesity but yet they cant take out peanut? pop and candy will not kill a child, a single peanut can. very frustrated. The 504 is another topic in it self. At least in my situation, the 504 lady is on the schools side not my child's.