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Foods containing nut products are not to be sent to school in snacks or lunches. We have several students who are very allergic to nut products, especially peanuts. |
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Read the YRDSB's Policy on Anaphylactic Reactions. |
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Why should I be concerned about food allergies? |
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Food allergies are a growing health concern in schools across the country. Between two and eight percent of chool-age chldren are considered to be at risk for anaphylaxis as a result of food allergies.. |
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Food allergy reactions can be fatal. |
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A food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system that can affect any system of the body (respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and skin). Ingestion of the allergenic food portein triggers this overreaction and casues a variety of symptoms ranging from nausea to anaphylaxis—a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
The severity of an allergic reaction is unpredictable: a seemingly mild reaction can become life-threatening within minutes. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt administration of epinephrine are critical to survival.
Each year, food allergies are the cause of approximately 200 deaths and over 30,000 emergency room visits. Kids have died in schools from food-induced anaphylaxis. |
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There is no cure for food allergies. |
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Strict avoidance of the allergenic food is the only way to prevent anaphylaxis. |
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Ingestion of even trace amounts of the allergen can cause anaphylaxis. |
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An allergic reaction can be triggered by as little as someone using a utensil that touched the food allergen to prepare or cut food for a person with a food allergy. |
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Ingesting a food allergen is not the only means of causing anaphylaxis. |
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Kids can introduce a food allergen into their bodies not only via mouth, but also via eyes or nose by inadvertently touching these areas of the face with hands that have come into contact with the food allergen. A child need not eat a food allergen to experience an allergic reaction. Rubbing eyes or putting a finger in the nose after touching a surface contaminated with the allergenic food is enough to potentially trigger an allergic reaction. |
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How can I help? |
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- Respect school rules regarding permissable foods.
- Carefully read ingredient and manufacturing labels.
- For food to be shared by the class, bring in only store-bought food with a list of ingredients that are safe for all members of the class to eat.
- Wash your child's hands/mouth before school if s/he has eaten a know food allergen.
- If necessary, talk to your child about the seriousness of food allergies and the harm caused by teasing.
- Don't hesitate to contact school personnel with any questions or concerns.
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Source: Safe School Partners www.foodallergysmart.org |
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Additional Resources |
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