Peanut-free Tables For The Kids

What will they think of next?

From HoCo schools:

Maryland Law requires schools to designate a table in the cafeteria as peanut and tree-nut free. While most students with peanut and tree-nut allergies do not experience severe reactions with skin-only contact with their allergen, some students need more protection in the cafeteria.

For students with physician-documented anaphylactic allergy (e.g., physician's order for EpiPen) to peanuts or tree nuts, or a physician-documented anaphylactic allergy to another food, provisions for an allergen-free table will be made on a case-by-case basis, based on student need, physician-input, and parent request.

Upon parent request, the school will provide a designated table for a student with physician-documented anaphylactic allergy. Your child is NOT required to sit at this table, however the school is required to make this option available.

An allergen-free table will be considered when:
• The student experiences severe, frequent and/or disruptive symptoms after skin exposure to their allergen.
• There is concern that other students' food may be ingested.
• The student experiences symptoms from inhalation of food odors/dust (e.g., peanut shells), etc.
• The parent makes a request.

If you are not sure whether your child needs this extra protective measure, please discuss this with your child's health care provider or with the cluster/school nurse. If your child requires or you wish to discuss the need for an allergen-free table, please contact the cluster/school nurse at your child's school.