There can be no backsliding on the safe managing of food allergies in schools

Article By Jennifer Gerdts Published January 28, 2024
Article Source: No backsliding on safe managing of food allergies in schools (thespec.com)

To avoid a return of the “food fights,” we must renew our efforts to foster respect and mutual understanding in our schools.

The decision by a Yukon school to remove restrictions on foods containing peanuts attracted national media attention recently. While reports noted the school principal and some families supported the move, it likely triggered a degree of anxiety among many families living with food allergy across the country who worry that years of stable school policy may now be at risk in their community, too.

Decisions on managing specific food restrictions in schools have always been, rightly, the prerogative of local parents, teachers and school administrators. What should not change is recognition that food restrictions are just one element of a comprehensive school food policy and that the overarching goal of safety and inclusion for all students is prioritized.

In Canada, food allergy affects more than a half million children. The potential consequences of an anaphylactic reaction in kids — the most severe form of allergic reaction — can be staggering, particularly when the student is your own child. Food allergy can be life threatening. As even a small amount of a person’s allergen, when ingested, can provoke a reaction, constant vigilance is required.

For families of young children in particular, there is understandable fear for their child’s well-being, especially when they are in environments away from family. While it is the responsibility of the child and their family to manage their food allergy, this complex medical condition and the ubiquity of food means the wider community shares in this responsibility, nowhere more so than at school.

Coverage of the Yukon school’s decision has noted a lack of evidence supporting food restrictions in schools, citing a high-profile study. Yet the authors themselves noted that, “due to the lack of high-quality evidence available in the literature, the recommendations are rated ‘conditional’ and policymakers are encouraged to adapt the guidance to fit their local circumstances.” In other words, the issue of food restrictions in schools is complex.

Food Allergy Canada’s position has not changed. Our organization continues to support this risk minimization measure as one possible element of a comprehensive policy. The factors that need to be considered when contemplating food restrictions are the age and developmental readiness of children to self manage, the specific school setting, and the resources available to mitigate that risk.

This includes addressing questions such as how old are the children? Where are they eating — at desks, a gym, cafeterias? Who is supervising them and how — a teacher, staff member, student or parent volunteer? Is there someone in the room or supervising multiple lunchrooms at once? What are the cleaning procedures, including both eating areas/surfaces and student handwashing? Is there immediate access to epinephrine if required to treat a reaction? Are staff properly trained to recognize the signs of a reaction and know how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector?

To its credit, the Yukon school has said it is addressing some of these issues and the territory does have a policy in place. However, more can be done in schools across Canada. Beyond tactics to mitigate risk, schools should take steps to enhance policies and build informed, supportive communities.

Gaps remain; while staff training is a part of most provincial policies and regulations, it is not required annually and what is provided can vary by school. To ensure consistent content, Food Allergy Canada offers an evidence-based “Allergy Aware” program accessible for free to all schools.

For students, food allergy should a part of the food literacy component of provincial curriculums and taught in class. Our recently launched free, bilingual program — All About Food Allergy — supports schools in meeting this need.

Ultimately, it is through education and awareness, not one potentially divisive element of school food policy, that we build a society of food allergy-informed, empathetic citizens.

If parents, educators, and policymakers can work together to foster trust and understanding on food allergy, we can create a safe, inclusive environment for all children at school.

Jennifer Gerdts is executive director of Food Allergy Canada.