Peanut butter could be allowed back in schools as experts warn ‘blanket bans’ on risky foods in the playground DON’T work
- The National Allergy Strategy guidelines advise against food bans in school
- Instead of high risk food bans guidelines suggest an ‘allergy aware’ approach
- Risk minimisation strategies like education were recommended on Thursday
- New rules come as the number of children with food allergies rose to 1 in 20
A school-wide ban on certain foods, such as peanut butter, could be coming to an end after health experts warned such strict rules do not work.
The National Allergy Strategy guidelines, which were released on Thursday, recommended an ‘allergy aware’ approach rather than focusing on bans on high risk foods.
‘It is NOT recommended that schools ”ban” food and as such schools should not claim to be free of any allergen e.g. ”nut free”,’ the new rules outlined.
The National Allergy Strategy guidelines released on Thursday show blanket bans in schools on foods containing allergens such as peanut butter don’t work (pictured, stock image)
Instead risk minimisation strategies are encouraged, like including allergen free zones during cooking classes and informing children on food education.
The new rules come as anaphylaxis caused by food allergies has doubled between 2003 and 2013 despite existing bans on high risk foods in schools.
In the past decade, Australian school-aged children suffering from food allergies has now risen to one in 20.
Dr Preeti Joshi, a paediatric clinical immunology/allergy specialist and co-chair of the National Allergy Strategy said the new guidelines were a more realistic approach.
‘Trying to completely ban food allergens in these settings simply does not work and is near impossible to enforce,’ she said.
‘It is not safe or practical to rely on people to not bring food allergens, of which there are many, into a certain environment. A consistent allergy aware approach with age-appropriate strategies is preferred.’
The new rules come as anaphylaxis caused by food allergies has doubled between 2003 and 2013 despite existing bans on high risk foods in schools
‘This includes ensuring staff are adequately trained, especially in the prompt recognition and treatment of an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis,’ Dr Joshi added.
Jennifer Ayoub agreed education and guidelines for teachers to manage risk was a better outcome, after her 11-year-old son Oscar suffered an anaphylactic reaction to milk.
‘It is not reasonable to expect any school to ban milk,’ she told The Mecury.
‘We really had to fight to get some basic things in place for Oscar.’
‘For example it took me three months to get the school to agree for the teacher to carry his EpiPen when he goes on excursions,’ Ms Ayoub said.
Food allergy expert and Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen MP, said protecting children with anaphylaxis in Australian schools was a high priority.
‘Australia does not take a back seat when it comes to safety from anaphylaxis in schools and children’s education and care,’ she said.
‘These guidelines ensure that best practice is standardised across each state and territory. I welcome the work of the National Allergy Strategy in making these guidelines a reality’
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