Peanut Allergies

by Cindy Bond

Peanut-butter cookies have become a bake sale outcast. And at least two Rhode Island schools have designated peanut butter-free zones in their cafeterias. What's so scary about peanuts? Schools are worried that peanut butter at school is a health hazard for students who may be allergic.

As little as half a peanut can cause a fatal reaction for severely allergic people, reports the Food Allergy Network (FAN), a nonprofit advocacy group based in Fairfax, Virginia. Not everyone is this sensitive to peanuts, though: Symptoms range from irritating to life threatening.

Who's at risk?
Just five percent of kids have food allergies, but there's some evidence that a sensitivity to peanuts may be on the rise. This could be because parents are feeding them to kids at earlier ages, before their immune systems are fully developed.

Some schools have created peanut bans, but FAN doesn't think this is the answer. Bans can create a false sense of security, since peanuts could still turn up in baked goods and candies. Instead, FAN supports a training program where parents, teachers, and students can learn the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which foods cause food allergies, the correct action to take, and where medications should be stored.

Peanuts aren't the only troublemakers: The American Academy of Pediatrics says the most common allergy producers in kids are eggs, milk, nuts, soy, fish, wheat, peas, and shellfish.

For tips on dealing with your kids' allergies at school, contact the Food Allergy Network at 800-929-4040.

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