More schools consider peanut ban

6-8% of children are sensitive so 92-94% aren't allowed to eat it?! Whatever happened to majority rules?

The problem is not children sharing lunches, or students being unaware of what foods they can eat. Usually when schools consider these bans it is because they have one or more students with a severe, life-threatening allergy that can be triggered by the smell of nuts or contact with surfaces where nuts have been. In these situations the teacher may have to wipe down all surfaces where lunch is eaten or even get all children except the allergic child to eat their lunch while sitting on a drop-sheet that can then be taken away so any crumbs are removed from the classroom. It is because of the severe danger to the child and the need for time-consuming procedures to manage it that some schools decide it may be simpler to ask parents not to send nuts to school.

Should nut-coated ice-creams be banned from movie theatres or events our family has just attended such as yesterdays air-force proms in the Wgtn Town Hall?? Just how dangerous is close proximity to nuts?

I am writing in response to 'More schools consider peanut ban', which omitted several key points.

Food allergy management in schools is complex and involves far more than simply implementing a ban. Allergy New Zealand does not support blanket food bans in schools as the only means of keeping children with food allergies safe.

Schools must be aware of the risks associated with anaphylaxis and implement practical, age-appropriate strategies to minimise exposure to known allergens to help keep the child safe. Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, is a medical emergency and schools need to ensure staff are trained in how to recognise and treat a reaction.

If food bans are being considered, this should be supported by a letter from the child's specialist and included in the child's healthcare plan.

Allergy New Zealand's concern arises where schools decide to implement a ban and then claim to be 'peanut or nut-free'. Evidence from experts indicates that this type of claim is not reliable and may lead to a false sense of security about exposure to peanuts or nuts.

For more information on anaphylaxis management in schools, you can visit Allergy New Zealand's website www.allergy.org.nz.

Inga Stunzner Allergy New Zealand

Of course nuts shouldnt be banned from schools just because of a few children. Everything is getting out of hand It seems like we are unable to make choices or decisions for ourselves.. Like, life in general children with any allergies should be taught what they can or cant eat and not too share others lunches I am stunned this is even being considered!

All sorts of snacks contain nuts. The majority of families that do not have an allergy sufferer will not be aware which do or do not have nuts. It would therefore be very foolish to assume a school is a nut-free zone after such an ban is imposed. It would be far better to ensure that that the kids with allergies are taught not to share other kid's food.

If the immune system is reacting to a lack of stimulation, surely the removal of specific foods will just prompt the immune system to develop allergies to others?

Agreed completely. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats that can increase one's concentration levels, among other healthy benefits. I don't want my child's school peventing me from feeding my children healthy food.

Blanket banning of foods that cause some children allergies is NOT the way to go - the follow on for that is banning all nuts so that no one can buy them in order to protect the said suffer - its insane - what needs to be done is those children who are allergic are supervised during meal times - nuts are healthy for the majority why should the majority be asked to go without because one or two children are allergic - supervise such children and allow peanuts for all who want them - that's a win win situation that shows intelligence rather than hysteria