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Disclaimer:
The Region of Peel School Health Reference Guide is a supplementary resource to relevant Peel and Dufferin-Peel school board policies. Always refer to school board policy first if you have questions or concerns.

About Anaphylaxis

Preventing Anaphylaxis

1. Avoiding allergens is the key to preventing anaphylactic reactions.
   
   
2. Education and supervision are essential in controlling food allergies.
   Your school can become an allergy safe environment through the efforts and collaboration of your entire school community.

Open communication and education in your school’s setting safeguards students with severe allergies by reducing their exposure to allergens.

3. School staff should always be prepared.
   There is always the chance that a student with anaphylactic allergies might be exposed to an allergen accidentally or through a hidden source. Therefore school staff must always be ready to handle an anaphylactic reaction.

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Common food allergens

Allergic and anaphylactic reactions are most often caused by:

• eggs
• fish
• milk
• nuts
• peanuts
• sesame seeds
• shellfish
• soy
• wheat

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Preventing food-based anaphylactic reactions at school

Safeguard students with anaphylactic food allergies by:

• Having everyone wash their hands and eating surfaces before and after handling or eating food.
• Discouraging students from trading or sharing foods, food utensils and food containers.
• Asking that all children eat only lunches and snacks prepared by their parent/guardian.
• Washing surfaces such as tables, toys, etc., to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
• Discussing appropriate food restrictions for school related activities (i.e., class parties, snacks, fund-raisers, crafts, cooking classes, etc.) with other school staff.
• Clearly identifying the ingredients of food served in school cafeterias and brought in for special events (i.e., bake sales)
• Being aware of hidden sources of exposure such as:
  • bean and pea counting aids
  • bean bags
  • play dough (due to wheat flour content)
  • science projects
  • toys stuffed with peanut shells
• Requesting an ingredient list from all parents/guardians bringing outside food to school events (e.g., bake sales, class parties).
• Excusing students with life threatening allergies from yard clean up events or garbage disposal as they may come in contact with food wrappers, containers or other sources of exposure.

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Preventing venom-based anaphylactic reactions at school

Safeguard students with anaphylactic allergies to insect venom by:

• Removing insect nests on or near school property.
• Storing garbage in covered containers.
• Having all students eat lunches and snacks inside rather than outdoors.
• Letting children with insect venom allergies leave the room until an insect is captured or let out of the room.
• Letting children with insect venom allergies to stay indoors at recess during bee/wasp season.

Other Allergens

Parents of students with severe allergies can help create allergy-safe school environments by informing school staff of the severity and details of the allergy.