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Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 8% of children in the United States.1 That’s 1 in 13 children, or about 2 students per classroom. A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods.2 The body’s immune response can be severe and life threatening, such as anaphylaxis. Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.
There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. However, because it is not always easy or possible to avoid certain foods, staff in schools, out-of-school time, and early care and education programs (ECE) should develop plans for preventing an allergic reaction and responding to a food allergy emergency, including anaphylaxis. Early and quick recognition and treatment can prevent serious health problems or death.
Eight foods or food groups account for most serious allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.2
The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can be different between individuals and can also be different for one person over time. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death.3 Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis and more than 40% (2 in 5) of children with food allergies in the United States have been treated in the emergency department.1
Food Allergies in Schools Toolkit
CDC created a toolkitto help schools implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies [PDF - 4 MB]in order to prevent and manage severe allergic reactions in schools. The toolkit includes tip sheets, training presentations, and podcasts for school superintendents, administrators, teachers and paraeducators, school nutrition professionals, school transportation staff, and school mental health professionals.
FAQs
Students who have food allergies may need to:
- carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies.
- wear a medical alert bracelet.
- go to the school nurse to take medicine or assess reactions.
- have special seating accommodations during lunch to avoid exposure to allergens like peanuts.
The guidelines recommend there be no site-wide food prohibitions, such as 'nut-free' schools, or allergen-restricted zones, such as 'milk-free' tables, except in limited special circ*mstances. Research has found little evidence that food bans work.
How do you accommodate students who have severe food allergies? ›
Work With the School to Create a School Health Care Plan
Every student with food allergies should have a school health care plan. This plan lists your child's common symptoms, medicines, and what to do if they have symptoms. It may also outline what school staff should do to prevent allergic reactions.
Are food allergies a recognized disability? ›
Question: Is a food allergy considered a disability? A food allergy will generally be considered a disability. Per the definition of disability in the ADA, a food allergy does not need to be life-threatening or cause anaphylaxis in order to be considered a disability.
Are allergies a valid reason to leave school? ›
Are allergies a good reason to miss school? In most cases, it is always advisable to send a child with allergies to school.
Should I send my kid to school with allergies? ›
You may feel confident taking care of your child at home, but it's important to work closely with the school to help manage your child's allergy care, especially when she has experienced severe reactions like anaphylaxis. “Basic food allergy management strategies are a very doable thing,” Pistiner says.
Is a student's food allergy always considered a disability no matter how minor it is? ›
Yes. A student with a food allergy has a disability if their food allergy substantially limits one or more of their major life activities.
Which of the following plans is a student who has a food allergy? ›
Emergency care plan (ECP) – This is a medical plan from your child's doctor for the school to follow to treat food allergy reactions while your child is at school. Individual health care plan (IHCP or IHP) – This is a type of nursing care plan. For a student with a food allergy, this would also include an ECP.
What is the most commonly used cure for severe food allergies? ›
Other medications may be prescribed to treat symptoms of a food allergy, but it is important to note that there is no substitute for epinephrine: It is the only medication that can reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.
What are hidden triggers of food allergies? ›
Hidden allergens can also occur in processed food when an ingredient is added for a specific application; for example, when egg is used in food products and is listed on the ingredient panel as a binder, protein, or emulsifier. This may also occur when soy is used for its “texturizing” or emulsifying properties.
Food allergies can cause life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include shock, rapid heart rate, swollen mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, severe and sudden drop in blood pressure, and dizziness.
Do food allergies trigger the immune system? ›
A true food allergy affects the immune system. Even small amounts of the offending food can trigger a range of symptoms, which can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, a food intolerance often affects only the digestive system and causes less serious symptoms.
How would you handle a student with an allergic reaction? ›
Always call for an ambulance, even if the person has already self-administered their own AAI and is feeling better. A person receiving an adrenaline injection should always be taken to hospital for monitoring afterwards. When dialling 999, say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis (“ANA-FIL-AX-IS”).
How do you calm down a food allergy? ›
If you suspect you have a food allergy, avoid exposure to the food altogether until your appointment. If you do eat the food and have a mild reaction, nonprescription antihistamines may help relieve symptoms. If you have a more severe reaction and any symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency help.
Why do my allergies get worse at school? ›
Schools and classrooms may have environmental allergens such as pollen, mold and dust mites, which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in kids. All these things can affect your child's performance in school and make their symptoms worse, Dr. Hong says.
