Re: peanut bans in schools

[Guest guest]

In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some are

being rescinded.

I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of

" no peanut butter " stops people from looking closely at the details.

If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, are

they going to continue to examine all the other substances in the

environment that might contain some peanut derivative?

I see such bans as being similar to saying " no bread for the celiac

kid " and thinking that would prevent gluten exposures. I would rather

the school *and parents of the child* took the time to examine all the

foods/art supplies/cleaning products on a case by case basis. I base

that on my son's brief experience in a public school. I worked

extensively with the school nurse and classroom teacher before school

started to educate them about gluten and what the risk factors were.

However, about the third day of school I was in the classroom helping

some kids wash their hands and happened to read the label on the soap

pump - it specifically listed " wheat gluten " as ingredient! As my son

uses lots of soap, doesn't rinse it all off and does bite his nails, I

saw a great big problem there.

Maureen

>

>

> > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to like is

> > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.

>

> Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in an

> effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic students.

>

>

> ygg

>

[Guest guest]

I don't have to deal with a peanut allergy, thank God. But I am all for this ban. Even air-borne particles from peanuts can cause instant anaphylactic shock and I for one would not want to be the teacher responsible for that OR have my child witness such a horrible event. Never mind being the parent of a child who died bc of that. I'd rather find something else to send for my child's lunch than possible harm another child bc I can't come up with anything other than a peanut butter sandwich. Yes, nuts are in other things, but the risk from actual peanuts and peanut butter are greater than a child who might be eating something with peanuts as a 15th ingredient. Not that it's not still bad for the allergic child, and I know it's hidden everywhere much like gluten, but if the major risk can be removed than I say go for it!!

From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of marcianarSent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:24 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: peanut bans in schools

In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some arebeing rescinded. I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of"no peanut butter" stops people from looking closely at the details.If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, arethey going to continue to examine all the other substances in theenvironment that might contain some peanut derivative? I see such bans as being similar to saying "no bread for the celiackid" and thinking that would prevent gluten exposures. I would ratherthe school *and parents of the child* took the time to examine all thefoods/art supplies/cleaning products on a case by case basis. I basethat on my son's brief experience in a public school. I workedextensively with the school nurse and classroom teacher before schoolstarted to educate them about gluten and what the risk factors were.However, about the third day of school I was in the classroom helpingsome kids wash their hands and happened to read the label on the soappump - it specifically listed "wheat gluten" as ingredient! As my sonuses lots of soap, doesn't rinse it all off and does bite his nails, Isaw a great big problem there. Maureen> > > > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to like is> > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.> > Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in an > effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic students.> > > ygg>

[Guest guest]

I don't have to deal with a peanut allergy, thank God. But I am all for this ban. Even air-borne particles from peanuts can cause instant anaphylactic shock and I for one would not want to be the teacher responsible for that OR have my child witness such a horrible event. Never mind being the parent of a child who died bc of that. I'd rather find something else to send for my child's lunch than possible harm another child bc I can't come up with anything other than a peanut butter sandwich. Yes, nuts are in other things, but the risk from actual peanuts and peanut butter are greater than a child who might be eating something with peanuts as a 15th ingredient. Not that it's not still bad for the allergic child, and I know it's hidden everywhere much like gluten, but if the major risk can be removed than I say go for it!!

From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of marcianarSent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:24 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: peanut bans in schools

In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some arebeing rescinded. I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of"no peanut butter" stops people from looking closely at the details.If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, arethey going to continue to examine all the other substances in theenvironment that might contain some peanut derivative? I see such bans as being similar to saying "no bread for the celiackid" and thinking that would prevent gluten exposures. I would ratherthe school *and parents of the child* took the time to examine all thefoods/art supplies/cleaning products on a case by case basis. I basethat on my son's brief experience in a public school. I workedextensively with the school nurse and classroom teacher before schoolstarted to educate them about gluten and what the risk factors were.However, about the third day of school I was in the classroom helpingsome kids wash their hands and happened to read the label on the soappump - it specifically listed "wheat gluten" as ingredient! As my sonuses lots of soap, doesn't rinse it all off and does bite his nails, Isaw a great big problem there. Maureen> > > > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to like is> > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.> > Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in an > effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic students.> > > ygg>

[Guest guest]

I don't have to deal with a peanut allergy, thank God. But I am all for this ban. Even air-borne particles from peanuts can cause instant anaphylactic shock and I for one would not want to be the teacher responsible for that OR have my child witness such a horrible event. Never mind being the parent of a child who died bc of that. I'd rather find something else to send for my child's lunch than possible harm another child bc I can't come up with anything other than a peanut butter sandwich. Yes, nuts are in other things, but the risk from actual peanuts and peanut butter are greater than a child who might be eating something with peanuts as a 15th ingredient. Not that it's not still bad for the allergic child, and I know it's hidden everywhere much like gluten, but if the major risk can be removed than I say go for it!!

From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of marcianarSent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 2:24 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Re: peanut bans in schools

In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some arebeing rescinded. I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of"no peanut butter" stops people from looking closely at the details.If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, arethey going to continue to examine all the other substances in theenvironment that might contain some peanut derivative? I see such bans as being similar to saying "no bread for the celiackid" and thinking that would prevent gluten exposures. I would ratherthe school *and parents of the child* took the time to examine all thefoods/art supplies/cleaning products on a case by case basis. I basethat on my son's brief experience in a public school. I workedextensively with the school nurse and classroom teacher before schoolstarted to educate them about gluten and what the risk factors were.However, about the third day of school I was in the classroom helpingsome kids wash their hands and happened to read the label on the soappump - it specifically listed "wheat gluten" as ingredient! As my sonuses lots of soap, doesn't rinse it all off and does bite his nails, Isaw a great big problem there. Maureen> > > > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to like is> > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.> > Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in an > effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic students.> > > ygg>

[Guest guest]

> In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some are

> being rescinded.

>

> I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of

> " no peanut butter " stops people from looking closely at the details.

> If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, are

> they going to continue to examine all the other substances in the

> environment that might contain some peanut derivative?

The problem is that peanut butter has an oily residue which is

difficult to wash off. Children can *die* from contact with peanut

residue. Children with CD don't die from touching bread crumbs.

Sure, they may get sick and there are potential lifelong

complications from repeated exposure, but they don't run the risk of

dying then and there. Children *have* had serious allergic reactions

to contact with food allergens. I think bans are reasonable, though

the false sense of security does need to be addressed.

personally, I feel the safety of a child is more important than a

food choice.

ygg

[Guest guest]

>

> > In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some are

> > being rescinded.

> >

> > I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of

> > " no peanut butter " stops people from looking closely at the details.

> > If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, are

> > they going to continue to examine all the other substances in the

> > environment that might contain some peanut derivative?

>

>

> The problem is that peanut butter has an oily residue which is

> difficult to wash off. Children can *die* from contact with peanut

> residue. Children with CD don't die from touching bread crumbs.

> Sure, they may get sick and there are potential lifelong

> complications from repeated exposure, but they don't run the risk of

> dying then and there. Children *have* had serious allergic reactions

> to contact with food allergens. I think bans are reasonable, though

> the false sense of security does need to be addressed.

>

> personally, I feel the safety of a child is more important than a

> food choice.

>

> ygg

There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

has a home-packed lunch.

And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

Maureen

[Guest guest]

>

> > In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some are

> > being rescinded.

> >

> > I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of

> > " no peanut butter " stops people from looking closely at the details.

> > If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, are

> > they going to continue to examine all the other substances in the

> > environment that might contain some peanut derivative?

>

>

> The problem is that peanut butter has an oily residue which is

> difficult to wash off. Children can *die* from contact with peanut

> residue. Children with CD don't die from touching bread crumbs.

> Sure, they may get sick and there are potential lifelong

> complications from repeated exposure, but they don't run the risk of

> dying then and there. Children *have* had serious allergic reactions

> to contact with food allergens. I think bans are reasonable, though

> the false sense of security does need to be addressed.

>

> personally, I feel the safety of a child is more important than a

> food choice.

>

> ygg

There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

has a home-packed lunch.

And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

Maureen

[Guest guest]

>

> > In some areas, there is now a backlash against such bans, and some are

> > being rescinded.

> >

> > I personally am against them, as I think making a blanket policy of

> > " no peanut butter " stops people from looking closely at the details.

> > If teachers assume a child is safe because of a school wide ban, are

> > they going to continue to examine all the other substances in the

> > environment that might contain some peanut derivative?

>

>

> The problem is that peanut butter has an oily residue which is

> difficult to wash off. Children can *die* from contact with peanut

> residue. Children with CD don't die from touching bread crumbs.

> Sure, they may get sick and there are potential lifelong

> complications from repeated exposure, but they don't run the risk of

> dying then and there. Children *have* had serious allergic reactions

> to contact with food allergens. I think bans are reasonable, though

> the false sense of security does need to be addressed.

>

> personally, I feel the safety of a child is more important than a

> food choice.

>

> ygg

There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

has a home-packed lunch.

And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

Maureen

[Guest guest]

>

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

Schools with these bans often have in-depth information about

acceptable products. Many schools these days often ban baked-at-home

goods for safety reason--it's shown up as a problem on other CD

boards. And yes, these schools have varying levels in their bans.

It may extend to the whole school, it may just be one classroom.

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

In that case, you could specify as such in a 504 plan for you child

and he could eat his protein snacks in the nurse's office or the

office, ensuring that his hands are washed and proper clean-up

protocols are followed. One child is not an entire lunchroom, but

your child's exception to the rule is *not* a common one. Are there

really NO other acceptable protein sources? I accept that it may be--

my own sources are very limited and my husband is hypoglycemic, so

this is something we have to keep a very close eye on.

ygg

[Guest guest]

>

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

Schools with these bans often have in-depth information about

acceptable products. Many schools these days often ban baked-at-home

goods for safety reason--it's shown up as a problem on other CD

boards. And yes, these schools have varying levels in their bans.

It may extend to the whole school, it may just be one classroom.

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

In that case, you could specify as such in a 504 plan for you child

and he could eat his protein snacks in the nurse's office or the

office, ensuring that his hands are washed and proper clean-up

protocols are followed. One child is not an entire lunchroom, but

your child's exception to the rule is *not* a common one. Are there

really NO other acceptable protein sources? I accept that it may be--

my own sources are very limited and my husband is hypoglycemic, so

this is something we have to keep a very close eye on.

ygg

[Guest guest]

>

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

Schools with these bans often have in-depth information about

acceptable products. Many schools these days often ban baked-at-home

goods for safety reason--it's shown up as a problem on other CD

boards. And yes, these schools have varying levels in their bans.

It may extend to the whole school, it may just be one classroom.

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

In that case, you could specify as such in a 504 plan for you child

and he could eat his protein snacks in the nurse's office or the

office, ensuring that his hands are washed and proper clean-up

protocols are followed. One child is not an entire lunchroom, but

your child's exception to the rule is *not* a common one. Are there

really NO other acceptable protein sources? I accept that it may be--

my own sources are very limited and my husband is hypoglycemic, so

this is something we have to keep a very close eye on.

ygg

[Guest guest]

My daughter has airborne peanut reactions, serious ones.

I agree there are problems with such bans however they do really reduce the

amount of peanut residue that is left on stuff and in the air. My daughter

misses school once a week due to being exposed to peanuts via airborne

reactions. I'd give anything to have a peanut free school again, she use to

go to one and had maybe 2 reactions all year in that school, now its just a

constant thing in this middle school with peanuts everywhere. The

difference is like night and day for us. So as much as I do agree that its

difficult to completely enforce its a huge help for children like my

daughter.

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

>

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

My daughter has airborne peanut reactions, serious ones.

I agree there are problems with such bans however they do really reduce the

amount of peanut residue that is left on stuff and in the air. My daughter

misses school once a week due to being exposed to peanuts via airborne

reactions. I'd give anything to have a peanut free school again, she use to

go to one and had maybe 2 reactions all year in that school, now its just a

constant thing in this middle school with peanuts everywhere. The

difference is like night and day for us. So as much as I do agree that its

difficult to completely enforce its a huge help for children like my

daughter.

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

>

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

My daughter has airborne peanut reactions, serious ones.

I agree there are problems with such bans however they do really reduce the

amount of peanut residue that is left on stuff and in the air. My daughter

misses school once a week due to being exposed to peanuts via airborne

reactions. I'd give anything to have a peanut free school again, she use to

go to one and had maybe 2 reactions all year in that school, now its just a

constant thing in this middle school with peanuts everywhere. The

difference is like night and day for us. So as much as I do agree that its

difficult to completely enforce its a huge help for children like my

daughter.

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic. Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him, and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

>

> Maureen

[Guest guest]

I agree that it maybe tough to completely ensure a peanut free

classroom, but it can be done with special attention. One of my

close friends is a Preschool teacher in a public elementary school.

She has a 3 out of 16 children with severe peanut allergies in her

class. They keep a completely peanut free classroom. None of the

children are allowed to bring in lunches with peanut butter or

peanuts. Parents are not allowed to bring in goodies without

ingredients statements. The ingredients are examined by the

teachers before the item is opened and handed out to the class.

They thoroughly check any new craft items being brought into the

room. Their lunches are checked and a list of items that contain

peanuts that people might not think of is sent home with the

parents. They also send home a list of goodies that are OK, that

way if a parent wants to bring a special treat for the whole class

they have a long list of OK items to choose from.

I'm on the fence with the bans. However, with young children with

severe allergies I think it is a good idea to " try " to prevent and

possible contact with the allergen. But banning something from an

entire classroom for a child that at worse will get hives or a tummy

ache from the allergen? That may cause a false sense of security.

Its tough to decide what is right and wrong to do with this topic!

But I do feel the parents play a huge role in making their child

aware of the dangers. Even if the classroom is " peanut-free " the

parents should still teach their child to be on the look out from a

young age.

>

>>

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on

that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic.

Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can

you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with

peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand

how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each

child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a

school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and

intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him,

and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume

protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

>

> Maureen

>

[Guest guest]

One important lesson I learned this year about these types of bans,

is that regardless of whether we agree or don't agree with them we

need to be sensitive to the children they are created for.

I had a neighbor whose 16 year old daughter has a deathly reaction

to even the smallest amount of latex. Her reactions have become so

severe that even an epipen will not touch them. After her last

reaction the doctors informed her that her body could not take very

many more and they would not be able to reverse the damage. After

that meeting the highschool instituted a school-wide ban on latex.

Specifically baloons. You would have thought the world ended! The

students were up in arms becuase they couldn't decorate lockers on

birthdays and I don't know what else. The worst part was that

parents were not supportive either. Rather than helping their kids

come up with a creative way to replace what they lost, they called

the school and requested that the " problem student " be transferred

or home schooled. This poor girl was austracized and made fun of to

the point where she was known as " the reason we can't have baloons

at school " .

Anyway I know we are all already sympathetic to others with special

needs, but I just wanted to point out that we need to teach our

children to be that way too; regardless of if we agree or not.

Off my soapbox now,

Jonyce

> >

> >

> > > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to

like is

> > > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.

> >

> > Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in

an

> > effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic

> students.

> >

> >

> > ygg

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've had my children in schools with all nuts (peanuts and tree nuts) banned - and have found that soynut butter is accepted in the schools - as long as it is clearly labelled and you alert the school you are sending it. It tastes similar, particularly when put with jelly or bananas.

Sara

[Guest guest]

> I've had my children in schools with all nuts (peanuts and tree

> nuts) banned - and have found that soynut butter is accepted in the

> schools - as long as it is clearly labelled and you alert the

> school you are sending it. It tastes similar, particularly when

> put with jelly or bananas.

Another gluten-free, peanut-free option is Sunbutter. Trader Joe's

variety is safe. Sunbutter is *NOT* free of soy contamination,

sadly. I used to love the stuff, but the company got too big and is

no longer safe for me.

Golden Peabutter is nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. It tastes

like PB.

ygg

[Guest guest]

For those worried about the problems of peanut butter- there are

many other kinds of nut butter you can experiment with. Actually,

eating peanuts gives me a headache, so I generally ate almond butter

etc. as a kid. It's yummy!

As a kid, I personally liked pancakes with peanut butter and jelly-

just the idea of corn tortillas with peanut butter and jelly grosses

me out though, because it seems to me that the corn would " clash "

with the flavors. But hey, if the kids like it, they like it!

There's always gluten free bread, crumpets, muffins, or pancakes...

I think rice cakes or corn tortillas get old fast.

>

> I've had my children in schools with all nuts (peanuts and tree

nuts) banned

> - and have found that soynut butter is accepted in the schools -

as long as

> it is clearly labelled and you alert the school you are sending

it.

[Guest guest]

I agree with Bridget...mostly. I just don't agree with her comment

about peanuts being the 15th ingredient being less harmful...a child

who is that severely allergic to peanuts knows to watch out for the

obvious sources of it, even from a young age...it's the hidden

peanut ingredients that aren't readily apparent that post a huge

risk.

My oldest son is severely allergic (anaphylactic) to sesame...he has

a severe reaction to any exposure to sesame, whether the seeds or

the oil...he has known since a young toddler to avoid sesame seeds

at all costs, so I have never felt like seeds we can see on buns,

etc., have posed him the biggest threat. It's the hidden sesame

seed oil in lotions, lip glosses, etc. and hidden sesame seeds in

multi-grain items (he does not have to eat GF) that scare the crap

out of me!

Being able to send your child to school with a PB & J sandwich is not

worth the potential risk that this type of exposure puts highly

allergic individuals up against. Just think of the trauma a child

would suffer knowing that it was their sandwich (even though they

didn't make it, pack it themselves!) that sent their classmate to

the hospital...or to a grave.

Not worth it. We want others to respect our need to avoid gluten,

when it doesn't even cause us the same immediate life-threatening

danger, so we should be all that much more willing to respond with

the type of caution we would like to have in order to keep others

safe.

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. And in these

types of situations and under these regulations, we should be our

brother's keeper.

C

> >

> >

> > > As for school lunches, one thing that my kids really seem to

like is

> > > peanut butter and jelly quesadillas.

> >

> > Be careful with this one--many schools are going peanut-free in

an

> > effort to prevent anaphylactic reactions among peanut allergic

> students.

> >

> >

> > ygg

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> There are more than a few problems with such bans, and first on

that

> list is that they aren't truly enforceable, or even realistic.

Myabe

> you can prevent peanut butter sandwiches in the classroom, but can

you

> also guarantee no Snickers bars, peanut M & M's, left-overs with

peanuts

> in them or other baked goods including peanuts? I know first hand

how

> hard it is to get people to think about what they put in food - " Is

> there any wheat in this? " " Oh no, I just use regular flour " is

> something I've heard far too many times. I don't think there is any

> way you can completely insure a peanut free classroom when each

child

> has a home-packed lunch.

>

> And from a personal point of view, my child could not attend a

school

> that banned peanuts. He has so many other allergies and

intolerances

> that we rely on nuts as a significant source of protein for him,

and

> because of problems with his metabolism he needs to consume

protein at

> least 4 times per day. I don't wish to endanger anyone's child, and

> that includes my own with his special nutritional needs.

>

> Maureen

>

**

There might not be foolproof ways of preventing peanuts from

entering the classroom, but it is irresponsible not to at least make

a serious attempt.

C

[Guest guest]

> There might not be foolproof ways of preventing peanuts from

> entering the classroom, but it is irresponsible not to at least make

> a serious attempt.

>

> C

" Irresponsible " of whom?

Are 50 parents (one classroom) responsible for the safety of someone

else's child?

Are 500 parents (entire school) responsible for the safety of someone

else's child?

If there are 30 classrooms at a school, should every one of them have

to be peanut-free for the sake of one child? If you have a kid who can

barely remember to deal with his own issues, like many boys I've met,

are you saying he should remember every day that his snack and lunch

must be peanut free because a kid 5 classrooms away might react? And

isn't the allergic child entitled under law to privacy concerning his

medical needs? How do you maintain that and institute a peanut ban?

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides for " reasonable

accommodation " for persons with special medical needs, and at least

one school had its peanut ban overturned by the court on the grounds

that banning peanuts for the entire school was an undue burden on

other families, some of whom don't even speak basic English, let alone

understand the fine print on food labels.

As the parent of a child with not only celiac but also a complicated

list of allergies and intolerances, I do not expect other parents to

be responsible for my child's safety. To date, he has not had any

analphylactic reactions, but I have already been warned by the

allergist he is at risk for them, and he does have major asthma

attacks from certain allergens. Dogs are a major trigger for his

asthma *and people can die from asthma in a very few minutes* *, can I

ban dogs in all public places because of one person's needs? He also

reacts to " secondhand dog " on other people's clothes, can I insist

every child in class live in a dog-free home? No, neither of those is

reasonable.

Yes, I'd like every child to be completely safe at school. But I don't

actually believe it to be possible to create an allergen-free

classroom, especially by banning one of the most common childhood

foods/snacks. Even people with the best will in the world get fed up

at needing plan 9 months of school lunches around a stranger's needs,

especially when it comes at the expense of their own child's needs.

Maureen

*It took my husband's cousin about 5 minutes to die from an asthma

attack due to dog allergy - it runs in his family.

[Guest guest]

Another point that is important when considering bans. My children attend a "Title One" school which means that over 60% of the children are on free or reduced lunch. If a child is not on free or reduced lunch and has an outstanding bill, they can only have a PB & J sandwich. Or if they do not want either of the lunch choices. I realize that there are alternatives to PB, but at what cost?

Also, one person pointed out that if one child needed to eat PB (for protein) then he/she could be sent to the nurses office. So the child with the allergies should not be ostracized, but another child should be?

There are no easy answers. No one wants to risk any child's health. It can be very hard to decide what course of action will benefit everyone, or at least not harm anyone.

I have friends and family members with severe peanut allergies. While I support all of the changes we need to make, I do not support school bans.

Peace, Katey

[Guest guest]

>

> Also, one person pointed out that if one child needed to eat PB

> (for protein) then he/she could be sent to the nurses office. So

> the child with the allergies should not be ostracized, but another

> child should be?

The issue was small protein snacks for metabolism. That's no

different than going to the nurse's office for medication. Other

children don't get four snacks a day, so I doubt a child getting such

would have them in the classroom.

ygg

[Guest guest]

I had hunger/ absorption issues as a kid, so sometimes had to have a

little snack during the day, often at my desk during break time. If

I didn't eat often enough, I would literally dissolve into tears...

thank goodness once my villi recovered I got over that. Anyway, the

snacking wasn't a big deal, thanks no doubt to my Mom's earnest

communications with my teachers. I would have hated going to the

nurse's office- and besides, she wasn't even there every day. The

secretaries at my school had graduated from serious Grump college- I

didn't much enjoy hanging out with them, either. So there's the

situation from the eyes of a six year old, lol. But since this isn't

the peanut allergy message board, let's not fight, ok?

I will say that as a celiac, it p^%$^ me off that the airplanes

insist on serving stupid wheat snacks for their little meals- it's

either Sun Chips or some kind of wheat flavored chip. At least when

they served the peanuts, I could occasionally eat them. I'm not

saying they SHOULD serve peanuts anymore, but darn it, why can't

they serve a friggin PLAIN NON WHEAT CHIP or cashews or something...

> >

> > Also, one person pointed out that if one child needed to eat PB

> > (for protein) then he/she could be sent to the nurses office.

So

> > the child with the allergies should not be ostracized, but

another

> > child should be?

>

> The issue was small protein snacks for metabolism. That's no

> different than going to the nurse's office for medication.

Other

> children don't get four snacks a day, so I doubt a child getting

such

> would have them in the classroom.

>

> ygg

>