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developed the “Setting the Standard: Managing Food Allergies in School” handbook.
The Laurel School District developed this handbook to have a consistent way of managing
food allergies and reactions in the school setting. The district’s goal is to provide a safe
environment and provide reasonable care for students with life-threatening food allergies.
This handbook was developed in collaboration with the following group members:
anaphylaxis reaction.
personnel to follow in the event of a student experiencing a food allergy reaction while at
school.
The school system is a unique setting that has the responsibility to educate students
in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. Children come into this setting with a vast
number of medical conditions and issues which affect the educational process. The school
nurse is the only medically trained person within these walls. Schools often have only one
school nurse to cover thousands of students. This leaves educators and other untrained
personnel to handle medical situations that arise in the absence of the school nurse. It is the
school nurse’s obligation to help school personnel understand and identify behaviors in
students which require medical attention. One of those conditions is food allergies.
Food can often lead to a severe life-threatening reaction. The school nurse must
attempt to limit the potential of these types of reactions from occurring. To carry this out, the
school nurse must have a plan. Due to the complexity of food allergies, the plan needs to
services, custodial staff, and any other school personnel. A comprehensive science-based
plan is essential for providing a safe and successful school experience for students with
food allergies.
Nevertheless, all students with serious health issues should have a comprehensive plan in
place.
The Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) reports more than 12 million Americans
have food allergies; that is one in twenty-five or 4% of the population (FAAN, 2010). It is
estimated that food allergies affect up to eight percent of children under the age of three and
approximately two percent of the adult population with as many as forty to fifty percent of
those with a diagnosed food allergy are at high risk for anaphylaxis (Sheetz, Goldman,
Millet, McIntrye, Carroll, Gorak, Harrison, & Caricle, 2004). About ninety percent of food
allergies are caused by eight foods: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and
wheat. Most will be out-grown with age, but peanut and tree nut allergies are life-long (Mudd
& Noone, 1995). The alarming concern the Food and Allergy Network reports is that peanut
allergies have doubled in children over a five year period (1997-2002)(FAAN, 2010).
Children spend eight hours a day for a total of one hundred eighty days in school, and within
this time they can eat two meals each day plus snacks. Keeping this in mind, the chance of
having an allergic reaction related to a type of food is high. According to Mudd and Noone
(1995), in studies of fatal and near fatal anaphylaxis reaction to food, a majority of the
children who died from food- induced anaphylaxis ingested the food at school. Most school
nurses already institute the Food and Allergy Anaphylaxis Network Food Allergy Action plan
to follow in the case of a food reaction. However, treating the reaction is not enough.
An allergic reaction begins with a predisposed individual ingesting a food (by eating,
inhaling, or through contact with mucus membranes). This causes the body to produce an
antibody that initially attaches to the surface of cells. This initial process yields no
symptoms and will go unnoticed. However, the next time the food is ingested, the proteins
in the food attached to these antibodies cause the body to release a histamine response
that causes an allergic reaction (Formanek, 2001). A reaction can occur within minutes to
hours after ingestion. Symptoms can be mild to life threatening. The specific symptoms that
a student experiences depends on the location in the body in which the histamine is
released. If the allergic reaction becomes severe, it is then known as anaphylaxis, a life-
threatening event (Smith, 2005). Food allergies are the leading cause for anaphylaxis
outside of the hospital setting. Other common causes of anaphylaxis include allergies to
This handbook will focus on food allergies although some of the information provided
is appropriate for other causes of allergic reactions that can cause anaphylaxis.
symptoms. Anaphylaxis includes the most dangerous symptoms, including, but not limited
to: breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, or shock, which are potentially fatal.
Hives Coughing
Itching (of any part of the body) Wheezing
Swelling (of any body parts) Throat tightness or closing
Red, watery eyes Difficulty swallowing
Runny nose Difficulty breathing
Vomiting Sense of doom
Diarrhea Dizziness
Stomach Cramps Fainting or loss of consciousness
Change in voice Change of skin color
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of allergy with a risk of anaphylactic reactions is made based on the
patient’s history and confirmed with appropriate skin and/or blood tests done by
Prevention
Avoidance of a specific allergen is the basis of management in preventing
anaphylaxis. Avoiding the food that produces the allergic problems is tricky. Many of the
common food allergens (peanuts, nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, egg, wheat) are hidden or
accidentally introduced into everyday items that are not obvious to the untrained person.
However, it is definitely possible to reduce a student’s exposure to allergenic food within the
school setting.
serious health consequences (FAAN, 2010). Accidental food ingestion can occur despite
The school nurse is responsible for obtaining and keeping all treatment protocols for
students with food allergies. According to school policy, all medications must be
accompanied with a written physician order for treatments and medications prescribed. The
students’ parent/guardian must also sign these orders. The school nurse will initiate the
Food Allergy Action Plan (See page 31). This action plan will provide easy to follow steps
for recognizing and treating a reaction and provide key actions to perform for managing the
allergic reaction.
Epinephrine and antihistamine medications are the drugs of choice and should be
administration delivery devices (See pages 13-15). There are no contraindications to the
use of epinephrine for a life-threatening allergic reaction. After the administration of these
medications, the student should be transported via ambulance to be evaluated. No one can
predict the events of neither anaphylaxis nor how a student will respond to treatment.
Emergency room personnel MUST evaluate all students after having an allergic reaction.
Epinephrine should be put in locations that are easily accessible to school personnel and
students. These locations must be known by everyone. Students that are old enough to
self-administer epinephrine should carry their own. For younger children, the epinephrine
device should be kept in the classroom and passed from teacher to teacher as the child
moves through the school (e.g., from classroom to music to PE to lunch), or kept in areas
administration, will still require the help of others because the severity of the reaction may
All school personnel need to be familiar with basic first-aid and resuscitative
techniques. This training should include how to use Epinephrine devices. School
employees need to be familiar with these techniques. This will ensure that everyone will
know what to do if a reaction occurs. Quick response and treatment will save lives.
injectable device (Epi-Pen, Epi-Pen Jr; Dey Laboratories, Napa Valley, Calif) or as a
preloaded syringe (Ana-Kit; Bayer Laboratories, Spokane, Wash). The syringe has a
locking notched plunger, which is rotated to enable each of the 2 doses (0.3mg each)
contained in the barrel for self-injection. The spring-loaded auto-injector devices has 1 dose
Epi-Pen is available in 2 forms, Epi-Pen Jr and Epi-Pen. The Epi-Pen Jr is used for
children weighing 10 to 20 kg (22 to 45 lb). The Epi-Pen is used for those weighing greater
than 20 kg (45 lb). All those responsible for using epinephrine kits should be familiar with
these kits and the instructions for their use. Training devices and brochures outlining most
aspects of handling and administering epinephrine are available from the manufacturers.
Source: American Academy of allergy Asthma & Immunology 1996-2010 retrieved on March 5, 2010 at
www.aaaai.org/members/academy_statements/position_statements/ps34.asp
Source: New York School Health Service Center, retrieved on March 16, 2010 at
www.schoolhealthservicesny.com
symptoms at the onset. This could be a difference between getting prompt treatment or a
Be trained to use and expected to carry Epi-pen and Benadryl (Antihistamine) at all
times while participating in school and school-related activities (The school nurse or
the student’s health care provider will train the student. The training will be
documented and return demonstration will be witnessed).
Be responsible to eat ”safe” foods, not to share foods/utensils with/from other
students. NO SHARE PLAN.
Sit in designated areas in cafeteria as indicated in Student’s Individual Health Plan.
Be an advocate for self.
Seek assistance whenever needed.
Be responsible to report signs and symptoms at first onset to responsible person
(The Nurse will be notified immediately by that person).
Administer Epinephrine at first onset of symptoms under adult supervision (A trained
adult may assist if needed).
Be responsible for own care during after school activities.
Be responsible for being observant and careful not to be around others eating,
example snack area, concession stands, etc.
Know signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Follow plan as written.
allergies. The parent/guardian(s) must be involved in all aspects of the planning phases in
order for the school district to provide the safest possible care to their child while attending
school.
Provide information to school nurse on food allergies when a child enters school.
Notify the school nurse of any changes in medical care associated with food allergies
once a child is an active student in school.
Provide all required documentation per school policy for medications and treatment
protocols related to food allergy management.
Will assist in writing the Food Allergy Management Plan.
Will comply with the Food Allergy Management Plan as written.
Provide medications and documentation as required by school medication policy for
student.
Support the schools efforts to reduce chances of anaphylaxis.
Communicate openly with school personnel.
Communicate directly with school nurse, cafeteria supervisor, and transportation
supervisor related to concerns for their child’s food allergy.
Provide snack alternatives and food item choices for their child.
Communicate with child to discuss care/plan for “After School Activities” because
there are no medical personnel on site.
o Parent and child will be responsible for any or all arrangements for after school
activities. Student is responsible for carrying Epinephrine.
o Staff on site will be educated about food allergy management plan but will be
instructed to call 9-1-1. Should an emergent situation arise (Food Allergy
Action Plans will be easily accessible in designated areas).
efficiently. Managing students with food allergies will require administrator support and
guidance for the management plan to run smoothly. The administration will:
coordinator and provider of all care associated with student medical needs. Managing food
approach: thus the Food Allergy Management Plan. The school nurse will:
Be responsible for all coordination of Food Allergy Management Plan for students in
the district.
Will obtain all required documentation for each student with known food allergies.
Will initiate and write the Food Allergy Action Plan (see page 30), The Individual
Health Plan (see page 28),the Transportation Student Emergency Information
card(see page 32), and Food Service Student Emergency Information(see page 33).
Be the liaison between home and school.
Be a student advocate.
Hold annual district-wide in-service for all employees which will include the following
information:
o How the plan will work.
o What is involved in following the plan.
o How to address issues of food allergies in the classroom and the use food for
classroom projects.
o Food Science classroom will be a NUT-FREE area (See Classroom and
School Environmental Management).
o The ingestion of food in the classrooms.
o Educate the teachers on procedures about the identification of potential
dangers.
o The emergency procedure for handling food allergies.
o Epinephrine training/use.
o The classroom procedures to help eliminate potential food reactions,
Seek volunteers for epinephrine administration training
conditions and health history (See pages 24-27). When a parent/guardian identifies a child
has having a food allergy the school nurse makes contact with the parent/guardian
Once a food allergy is identified, the school nurse will implement the process and
obtain necessary documentation required under school policy. The school nurse will:
Initiate the Individual Health Plan which can be part of a IEP or 504 plan or stand
Initiate the Food Allergy Action Plan on the student (see page30).
Does your child have complete bowel and bladder control? _____Yes _____No (if no explain)
Does your child have complete bowel and bladder control? _____Yes _____No (if no explain)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Can the child use the toilet without help? _____Yes _____No
Does the child wet the bed? _____Yes _____Occasionally _____Frequently _____No
Has your child been under a physician's care during the last 12 months?
_____Routine Care _____No _____Other (specify)________________________________
Is there anything about your child's health that concerns you?
_____Yes _____No
Has your child been under a dentist's care during the last 12 months?
_____routine care _____No _____Other (specify)____________________________________
Child has:
Contacts ____Yes _____No Glasses _____Yes _____No Hearing aid _____Yes _____No
Orthodontic _____Yes _____No Braces/appliances _____Yes _____No Other
(specify)___________
An Equal Rights and Opportunities School District
Has your child ever been hospitalized or had an operation? _____Yes _____No
Has your child had any other illness, accident, or broken bones? _____Yes _____No
When Name of hospital What for
Family Health History: (Place an "X" in the box to any problems the child's parents, grandparents, brothers
or sisters have had and indicate the relationship in the space provided).
Allergies Eye disease Learning problems
Sister(s)
Is there anything else you would like us to know about your child?_______________________
______________________________________________________________________
Child's Name_____________________________Birthdate_____________Male__________
Female________
Child has:
Contacts ____Yes _____No Glasses _____Yes _____No Hearing aid _____Yes _____No
Orthodontic _____Yes _____No Braces/appliances _____Yes _____No Other
(specify)___________
Has your child ever been hospitalized or had an operation? _____Yes _____No
Has your child had any other illness, accident, or broken bones? _____Yes _____No
When Name of hospital What for
Family Health History: (Place an "X" in the box to any problems the child's parents, grandparents, brothers
or sisters have had and indicate the relationship in the space provided).
Allergies Eye disease Learning problems
Sister(s)
Is there anything else you would like us to know about your child?___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
Source: Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, retrieved on March 16, 2010 at www.foodallergy.org
PHYSICIAN:
NAME:_______________________PHONE______________
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Emergency Checklist for Bus Transportation
Allergy Symptoms:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
This form is for students with life-threatening food allergies and other issues such as food
intolerances to be completed by your Health Care Provider regarding your child’s medical
condition.
conditions. They are the eyes and ears inside the classroom. The teaching staff routinely
observes students and are able to pick out unusual mannerisms for a particular student.
This provides valuable information and prompts actions when necessary. These skills will
prove life saving in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. In order to be consistent with all
aspects of care in managing food allergies at school, the teaching staff will:
allergens in the school. Everyone must work together to keep the school environment safe
for all students. Since it is important to maintain a safe environment the following will occur
allergies are not discriminated against because of their medical condition. All students must
have the opportunity to attend both class-related and after school educational trips.
In the event of a field trip, the self-directed student’s Food Allergy Action Plan and
designated by the school district) who is familiar with the student’s medical needs and will
be directly available to the student. In the case of a non-self-directed student, only the
parent , school nurse or substitute nurse hired by the school district may administer
The field trip advisor is responsible for obtaining the proper field trip permission form
from each student per the field trip procedure (see page 37--39) for all trips or
anytime a student is leaving the assigned building (Information on these slips are
considered to be confidential).
The field trip advisor is responsible for contacting parent with any issues or concerns
prior to the departure of the trip.
Field Trip advisor is responsible for acquiring all medically necessary
equipment/medications for students with food allergies to bring on the trip.
The Field Trip advisor is to notify school nurse if there has been an emergency.
The Field Trip advisor must consider all eating situations and plan for prevention of
exposure to life threatening foods.
No food items are permitted on buses at all times.
Field Trip advisor is responsible for notifying school nurse of any outgoing trip one
week prior to departure. NO EXCEPTIONS!
(2) Name____________________________Phone________________Phone___________
Address__________________________________________________________________
HEALTH INFORMATION: (Please state the facts in connection with the following)
Describe any condition requiring medication as a treatment:_________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Is there any other information that staff need to know about your child?_________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
List any special accommodations that are needed in order to participate in the program:___
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________ ______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Laurel encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate
needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the
school in advance of your participation or visit.
students, one is expected to be aware of any medical issues that may arise. The following
guidelines will help limit a student with food allergies exposure to allergens:
to harmful allergens simply with routine cleaning of classrooms. In order to maintain a clean
Perform weekly cleaning of all student desks by rotating hallways daily on a six-day
school day schedule in order to reach all classrooms every six days.
Elementary Sample Schedule: High School Sample Schedule:
Day 1 – Kindergarten Day 1 – 100 Hall
Day 2 – Grade 1 & 2 Day 2 – 200 Hall
Day 3 – Grade 3 & 4 Day 3 - 300 Hall
Day 4 – Grade 5 & 6 Day 4 - 400 Hall
Day 5 – Library/ Gym Day 5 – Library/ Gyms
Day 6 - Special Ed. Offices/Band/Choir Day 6 – Special Ed. Offices/Band/Choir
The desks need cleaned using soap and water and a separate disposable clean cloth
(one per desk) and dried using a separate disposable clean towel (one per desk to
prevent cross- contamination
Perform weekly wiping off doorknobs, boards and ledges, countertops, etc.
General cleaning as directed by supervisor.
Know signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Know Food Management Plan and follow Food Allergy Action Plan as necessary.
food preparation area and a safe eating area for all students. This is particularly difficult if
there are air borne food allergies. Therefore, the cafeteria will not prepare, purchase, or
serve any foods containing or processed with NUTS. This will prevent cross-contamination
and will provide a potentially less dangerous area for students with food allergies. The food
Any student with known food allergies will be provided by the school nurse a
Standard Food Allergy Substitution Form (See pages 44-45) to be completed and
returned to the school nurse and then forwarded to the cafeteria supervisor.
Cleaning tables using soap and water and a separate disposable clean cloth (one per
table) and dried using a separate disposable clean towel (one per table to prevent
cross- contamination).
Perform routine cleaning as directed by supervisor of food preparation areas.
Follow the direction of the supervisor regarding any food allergy issues as necessary.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Being familiar with the Food Management Plan.
Knowing the location of Food Allergy Action Plan.
Following the Food Allergy Action Plan.
Therefore, this area must become a safer place for students to eat and socialize. Because
of the potential risks both the elementary and high school cafeterias will not purchase,
prepare, or serve food items containing NUTS. The following recommendations have been
All students with food allergies are required to sit in designated areas in the cafeteria
for exposure issues. This is MANDATORY at the elementary level, but is voluntary at
high school level. It is available to all students with food allergies.
The designated food allergy tables will be put up after use and no one is permitted to
use them for any reasons once they are cleaned and set aside.
Any function that uses and occurs in the cafeteria MUST hire a Laurel Cafeteria
worker on-site (paid for by the group requesting use of cafeteria). This will ensure
proper equipment cleaning and limit cross-contamination from use.
Directions: Check the box next to the appropriate category heading. By signing
below, the standard food substitutions are accepted unless the “No Substitutions
Needed” box is checked.
School___________________________Stude________________________________
Date____________________Licensed Medical provider________________________
(Signature)
[] No Substitution Needed
Peanuts/Nuts
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] Peanut Butter/Uncrustable Sandwich [] Cheese Sandwich
[] Trail Mix [] Cheese Stick
[] Granola Bar [] Turkey, Ham or Beef Sandwich
[] Peanut Butter Cookie [] Chicken Nuggets
[] Some Quick Desserts [] Peanut-Free/Nut-Free Cookie or Crackers
[] Purchased Bread Products, Brownies Cookies, and Breakfast Muffins may be processed in a
facility that contains peanuts or tree nuts.
Dairy
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] Pizza [] Turkey, Ham or Beef Sandwich
[] Ice Cream [] Hamburger on Bun
[] Burrito [] Soft/Hard Taco (No Cheese)
[] Cheese Sandwich
[] Bread Entrée Items
[] Ravioli/Spaghetti
[] Most School-Prepared Breads
Wheat
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] Sandwich Bread [] Rice
[] Bread Items [] Hard Taco Shell
[] Cookies/Cakes [] Tortilla Chips
[] Many Desserts [] Potato (Mashed)
[] Pizza Crust [] French Fries
[] Hamburger/Hot Dog Bun [] Oatmeal
[] Pastas (Ravioli/Spaghetti) [] Rice Cereal
[] Bread Entrée Items
[] Breakfast Cereals and Entrees
Soy (Note: Most of our food items contain soy or soy oil.)
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] All Bread Items (Soy Oil) [] Yogurt
[] Purchased Entrees (burrito, nuggets [] String Cheese
[] Corndog, hamburger, ravioli, etc.) [] Sun Chips
[] Salad Dressings/Dips [] Potato (Fresh)
[] Most Purchased Snack/Dessert Items [] Hot Dog (no Bun)
[] Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Egg
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] Eggs [] Hamburger on Bun
[] Breaded Entrée Items [] Hot Dog on Bun
[] Tuna Sandwich [] Peanut Butter/Uncrustable Sandwich
[] Mayo Products [] Cheese Sandwich
[] Waffle/French Toast
[] Cakes
[] Muffins/Quick Breads
[] Most of School-Prepared Breads
Fish
Common School Items School Substitutions Could Include
[] Fish Nuggets (Fun Fish) [] Hamburger on Bun
[] Fishwich on Bun [] Cheese Sandwich
[] Breaded Fish Entrees [] Turkey, Ham or Beef Sandwich
[] Tuna Sandwich [] Chicken Nuggets
FOODS TO OMIT
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
FOODS TO SUBSTITUTE*
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
*Some substitutions may not be available or allowed.
Substitutions must be products commonly available in the district warehouse.
Nutrition Services 724 658 9056 ext. 1945
Lori Dado, High School Nurse 724 598 9932
Debra Garrett, Elementary School Nurse 724 658 9056 ext 2941
children lives in the hands of responsible drivers every day. Student’s with food allergies
place their lives at risk everyday despite being transported to school. Bus drivers can help
reduce the potential dangers for students with food allergies by following the suggestions:
When/If a seat on the bus becomes contaminated proper cleaning of the bus seats is
necessary. Use soap and water and a separate disposable clean cloth (one per seat)
and dried using a separate disposable clean towel (one per seat to prevent cross-
contamination) when a seat becomes soiled or contaminated by food.
Perform routine cleaning as directed by Transportation supervisor.
Follow the direction of the supervisor regarding any food allergy issues as necessary.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Being familiar with the Food Management Plan.
Knowing the location of Food Allergy Action Plan.
Following the Transportation Student Emergency Information Sheet for students with
food allergies (See page 32).
Do not allow any food items on the bus as written in the Student Handbook.
Do not give students any food items for any reason.
educated and prepared. This handbook is designed to help with both. In the event of an
Food Allergy Action Plans are located in a RED binder and will be accompanied by
epinephrine and antihistamine for easy access. The locations of these binders will
be: (11)
food allergy.
Never hesitate to administer Epinephrine- It is always better to give than NOT. There
are no harmful effects for not giving epinephrine but if delayed it may be fatal.
Everyone in a school setting must be trained to be able to recognize and react in order to
help a student who is suffering from a food allergy reaction. All educational programs will be
conducted by the school nurse. Education will include but not limited to:
All parent volunteers will be required to attend an annual Mandatory food allergy
training prior to volunteering in the school district (This will be done at the first PTO
meeting at the elementary school and will be done during the first month of school for
the high school parent(s)/guardian(s) and again in the spring.
Food allergy awareness program will be conducted to all students annually at grade
orientations.
Food allergy awareness programs will occur at the Kindergarten and seventh grade
parent orientation programs.
A mandatory in-service for all school personnel will be provided for all district
employees (teaching staff, clerical staff, cafeteria personnel, transportation
personnel, custodial/maintenance staff.
Food allergy training program and epinephrine administration training will be
available on the school website at all times.
The school nurse will notify key personnel through department supervisors of known
students with food allergies and appropriate information sheets will be provided.
Epi-pen- www.epipen.com
Twinject- www.twinject.com