Reactions to peanuts or nuts can occur anywhere food is eaten. Mealtime can be a concern for peanut and nut allergic children and their parents. To make meals and snacks safe and enjoyable in schools and day cares,

FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:

• Teach an allergic child not to share foods.
• Increase supervision during meals and snacks (organize allergy-free tables or sections).
• Never share food/drinks, utensils and containers.
• Thoroughly clean surfaces like tables and toys to eliminate all residue (especially with peanut butter, which is more sticky).
• Allergic children should avoid school activities involving peanuts, e.g., crafts or activities using birdseed or peanut shells, play dough contaminated with peanut butter.
• Children and adults should wash hands before and after eating and after handling food or eating food.
• Allergic children should bring their own food for special occasions like birthday parties or Halloween and have some non-perishable nut-free treats left at school for other special events.
• Foods brought to school from home or elsewhere should have ingredient labels.
• Be careful when dining out. Always ask about the ingredients used in the preparation of food when unsure.
• Instruct all staff on the importance of careful label reading and cross-contamination (foods that may have been exposed to peanut - or nut - containing products).
• Train school staff to administer epinephrine.
• Ensure that an emergency plan is in place