by Linda Schoene, Parish Nurse
Many children are increasingly experiencing food allergies. Symptoms can range from skin rash and itching to anaphylaxis and death. The peanut is the source of the majority of severe food-related allergic reactions. Peanut allergies present early in life and are generally not outgrown. Severe allergic reactions can occur with exposure to trace amounts of peanut protein. One peanut contains 200 mg of protein; symptoms can occur after the ingestion of 2 mg. For children with severe peanut allergy, just sitting next to someone eating peanuts can trigger a reaction. One bite of a snack prepared with peanuts can be fatal.
Avoidance strategies become an important part of daily life for those families coping with this allergy. Such strategies have caused schools and daycare centers to carefully examine their policies regarding meals, snacks and party treats. Controversy over the banning of peanuts in schools is sometimes heated.
Avoiding peanuts are particularly problematic for very young children. They cannot read a label; they do not have an understanding of what an allergy is nor have the ability to ask: “Does that snack have peanuts in it?”
While sharing is a concept that we encourage in young children, little ones do not understand the danger associated with sharing a peanut snack. For these reasons, adults caring for children must be vigilant in monitoring what children in their care are eating and implement policies that will create a safe environment for all.
In an effort to be vigilant and protect the health of the children at Christ the King, we ask that you pick-up a list of peanut-free snacks, which is available in the nursery. Pay particular attention to the important message at the end about reading labels. Peanuts and peanut oil are not always obvious ingredients.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Currently, we know of two nursery-age children who are extremely allergic to peanuts. We believe it is good policy to avoid giving out any type of peanut-related snack in the nursery and, therefore, do not stock this type of food. Accordingly, we ask that parents do not pack personal bags with peanut snacks or bring peanut snacks to the nursery for their children. Thank you for adhering to this policy.