IDEAS, Consensus, peanut allergy, FAN, AAAAI

Where can we find the AAAAI Positioning statement on Anaphylaxis and Schools and Other Child Care Settings? I'd like to look at it, since you said it was so helpful for you.

------------------

It is important as parents of children with food anaphylaxis to read the data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you have not read through and explored their site, I strongly suggest you do so. You can get into abstracts, research, their publications. The position statements can help educate both you and others as to anaphylaxis, epinephrine, etc. Also, write letters to the AAAAI and let them know the difficulties you experience, problems with airborne reactions, skin reactions, cross contaminations reactions, etc.

The AAAAI's position statement on Anaphylaxis in The School Setting [url="http://www.aaaai.org/professional/physicianreference/positionstatements/ps34.htm"]www.aaaai.org/professional/physicianreference/positionstatements/ps34.htm[/url]

Their home page is [url="http://www.aaaai.org"]www.aaaai.org[/url]

Again, search out the site! It is very interesting. You will become very informed as to the direction in allergy research, positions statements, etc. After searching the site, think about your experiences and the areas that need to be addressed.

[This message has been edited by Mary (edited March 12, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Mary (edited March 12, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by Mary (edited March 12, 1999).]

As for areas for attention and development for peanut/food allergic people:

Food Manufacturer:
Cleaning of shared lines and the use of the new technology testing to check the lines after cleaning for residue

Airborne Reactions:
Since some people who initially have not shown airborne reactions have developed them later in life - Strict avoidance should also include avoiding the smell.

School accommodations:
Focus on safe zones and risk reduction. Classrooms free of peanut butter and peanuts - This will reduce residue on shared work stations, computer stations, etc. Cafeteria, to have peanut free tables. Handwashing mandatory after lunch.

Airlines:
To accommodate peanut allergic passengers by helping them to avoid airborne reactions. No peanuts on flight with peanut allergic passenger.

Research:
Of course a cure or vaccine to stop anaphylaxis.

Better education of pediatricians:
The education level of a pediatrician in the food allergy arena is overall lacking. Many accidental reactions most likely occur from limited information given during the office visit - "Avoid peanuts" "Read Labels" are not enough information to keep our children safe.

Stay Safe!

Jim,
You definitely hit on all the important food allergy issues that need to be addressed (especially the one about pediatricians needing to be more upto date on their knowledge of food allergies!).

There is just one more are I would like to see added.
Restaurant/Food Service guidlines:
The foodservice industry needs to increase awareness of food allergies. They need to have accurate identification of ingrediants on the menu and training and education of the employees about food allergens and cross-contaimination during food prep.

With regards to restaurants, I would like to see a symbol posted on the door or in the window or counter area (similar to Visa). This symbol could be universal and could indicate that a restaurant is capable of dealing with special diet needs (including food allergies). Many 5 star hotels will accomodate any special requests (and they get some strange ones). I take Charles to eat in a restaurant only when we are holidaying. This is usually only at Disney World where I have made all food arrangements to my satisfaction before I leave home.

Coco, I like your idea about the universal symbol. It could even be taken one step further...the yellow pages. Most restaruants advertise in the yellow pages what major credit cards they accept; why not adding another symbol?! It would save time from calling new restaurants and asking pertinent questions. You would see the symbol...whatever it may be, and know that restaurant was okay.

Too easy, huh?

[This message has been edited by Connie (edited March 27, 1999).]