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Peanut Avoidance

Deadly Reactions - Peanut Allergy 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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