Food allergy policies for schools – what you need to know

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The need for effective food allergy policies for schools is greater now than ever before. In fact, the number of people in England with food allergies has more than doubled between 2008 and 2018!

As more children suffer from food allergies in the UK, adopting effective measures to combat the adverse impact that allergic reactions can induce is key.

An effective measure to take is developing a food allergy for your school or educational institution. Children should feel safe and protected during their time spent in school, and there are several pieces of legislation that apply to managing food allergies in schools. We’ve picked the brains of our food allergy experts to compile this helpful article that covers all bases, so let’s jump straight in and explore more!

Understanding food allergies in children

It’s important to start with the basics and understand exactly what a food allergy is. Although allergies can affect both children and adults, the fact that a child’s immune system is still developing means that allergic reactions can be more severe. When a child suffers from a food allergy, their immune system will have an adverse reaction to a particular food.

This process occurs when the immune system identifies a substance in a particular food as harmful, triggering the release of immunoglobulin (IgE) – an antibody that offsets the identified substance. Each time the same food substance is consumed, antibodies detect this, and the immune system releases histamine into the bloodstream. This is the process which causes allergy symptoms.

Food allergy symptoms in children

Because a child’s immune system isn’t fully developed, these symptoms can vary in how serious they can be. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and present in various forms including:

Nausea
Diarrhoea
Stomach discomfort
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or mouth
Severe itching and burning
Tightness in the throat
Dizziness
Coughing or wheezing
Breathing difficulties

Managing anaphylaxis effectively

Of all the symptoms above, one of the most threatening conditions that can occur as a result of an allergic reaction is Anaphylaxis. This is a serious condition that can begin within minutes and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

All schools have a duty of care to protect children in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. There should be emergency protocols in place to deal with the prospect of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms include hives, itchiness and flushed skin, as well as serious symptoms like low blood pressure and difficulties in breathing.

What causes Anaphylaxis?

There are a number of different food allergens that can cause anaphylaxis. The food allergens to be aware of in relation to anaphylaxis are:

Eggs
Milk
Fish
Shellfish
Peanuts
Tree Nuts

Our blog post on allergen-free foods offers more information about managing allergens effectively.

Responding to Anaphylaxis

As part of your food allergy policy, addressing and responding to instances of anaphylaxis should be central to your strategy. You should outline the details of each food allergen, a detailed overview of anaphylaxis and an emergency response plan for the school.

This should include:

What to do in the event a pupil suffers an anaphylactic reaction
How to locate and administer Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs)
Details of the adequate training staff should undergo to deal with allergic reactions

What is a nut-free policy and should my school have one?

Many schools deploy a ‘nut-free school’ policy, which means schools avoid serving or preparing food that contains nuts. Whilst this may seem like a good approach to have, regulating this is extremely tricky. It can be impossible to moderate the food that is brought in from every child into the school.

For primary schools, it can be easier to implement and moderate, but secondary schools may struggle to implement this and keep a check on it effectively. An alternative approach to a nut-free policy is to implement procedures and a food allergy policy that effectively addresses concerns surrounding food allergens. We’ll explore this in a little more detail below…

Developing a food allergy policy for schools

Now we’ve covered the science behind food allergies, it’s time to apply that knowledge and understanding to the context of a school food allergy policy. Food allergies are increasingly common – it’s estimated that 2-5% of children in the UK suffer from a food allergy – therefore the need for a stringent policy to ensure the utmost care and attention is provided is key.

Coordination with various groups when developing or amending your existing policy is essential. Parents can provide valuable insight as to the needs and requirements of children. A food allergy policy helps to align the approach your institution has towards child safety and managing allergies effectively. Parents and children also have reassurance that your school is putting the measures in place to help protect the safety of all pupils.

The following areas should be included in a food allergy policy.

Allergens and allergies – Outline the full details of all food allergens and the different types of allergies and associated symptoms.
Specific roles and responsibilities – You should explain the roles and responsibilities of managers, teaching staff, parents and any medical staff.
Staff training – Adequate training is critical for staff. Catering staff can serve and prepare food safely. The processes for managing allergens are important, in the event that food prepared or made at school is taken home. Teaching and medical staff should also be trained in providing the care and protocols necessary.
Raising allergy awareness – Training is effective, but transparent communication with all relevant parties is just as important. Parents have a right to know how the school their children attend intends to manage allergies.

Make sure your food allergy policy stays compliant

In summary, a food allergy policy for your school helps protect children, builds confidence in parents and helps your school stay compliant with legislative measures.

Here at iHasco, we offer a range of Food Hygiene Training courses that can equip your school staff with all the tools and knowledge they need to protect your pupils. These courses include:

Interested in learning more about our Food Hygiene Training courses? You can claim a free, no-obligation trial today and check them out for yourself! Alternatively, why not request a bespoke quote and speak to our team about your unique training requirements?