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Peanut Avoidance
Peanut allergies require more stringent management plans. They are one of the most common food allergies and the leading cause of food induced anaphylaxis.
Exposure to peanut is extensive in North America. Statistics for 1991 estimate that
almost 5 billion pounds were consumed in the U.S.A. This is equivalent to 7 lb. per
year for each American citizen. Canadian estimates are presumed to be
comparable.
Reactions to peanuts are often more severe than to other foods such as milk and egg.
Peanut is ubiquitous in the food supply and in one study 50% of peanut allergic
children had accidental peanut ingestion within one year of follow-up.
In view of the nature of peanut allergies we therefore recommend these strong
initiatives to control peanut exposure in the schools be instituted.
- In the nursery, day care setting and earlier public school grades where there
are peanut allergic children no peanuts, peanut butter or peanut containing
foods should be allowed, since it is extremely difficult to avoid accidental
ingestion. It should be recognized that this will reduce but not eliminate the risk
of accidental exposure.
- In the higher public school grades and high school settings complete avoidance
policies while desirable may be impractical. If there are common eating areas,
no peanut foods should be allowed if there are peanut allergic children. Allergy
free classrooms may need to be instituted when appropriate. Public education
of the dangers of peanut allergy and requests for co-operation restricting
peanut use at school are important.
- Education of all teachers, staff, and students regarding food allergies and in
particular peanuts and nuts should be incorporated into first aid courses.
- Foods served by the school / nursery / day care for snacks, special programs,
etc., should omit peanuts and other nuts, if peanut allergic individuals are
present.
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Prepared by the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ontario Allergy Society, and Allergy Asthma Information Association. Reprinted with permission.
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