Jerome Joint School District No. 261

STUDENTS 3515B

Food Allergy Management — Background

THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ADOPTED AS

A POLICY OR PROCEDURE.

A food allergy is an abnormal, adverse reaction to a food that is triggered by the body’s immune system. It is

different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Allergic

food reactions can span a wide range of severity of symptoms. The most severe and potentially life threatening

reaction is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis refers to a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body, the

most dangerous of which are breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure. Eight foods (peanuts, tree nuts,

milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish) account for more than ninety percent (90%) of all food allergies, while

peanuts and tree nuts together account for more than ninety percent (90%) of severe and fatal allergic reactions

to food. Exposure may occur by eating the food or food contact. Severe allergic reactions can occur within

minutes of ingestion, but a reaction can be delayed for up to two hours. Some reactions are “biphasic” in nature

with an initial period of symptoms, then a symptom free period of 2-4 hours followed by severe shock-like

symptoms.

The most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of anaphylaxis are: Epinephrine – Brand names

that include, but are not limited to EpiPen®, EpiPen Jr®, and Twinject®. Epinephrine is relatively safe and its side

effects, if administered unnecessarily, are mild and temporary. Delaying use of epinephrine during an allergic

reaction can be fatal.

If a student has a severe or life-threatening allergy or an allergy that impairs a major life activity their condition

may qualify as a disability and may be covered under the Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Section

504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The student’s physician usually makes this determination. In some

circumstances, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may also apply.

While some schools have sought to protect students with life-threatening allergies by banning allergen-containing

foods from school grounds, such bans are often controversial and difficult to enforce. In many cases, simply

designating and maintaining particular lunchroom tables, desks, classrooms, or other specific areas of a school as

allergen-free is sufficient. Allergen management is often easier for students of middle-school age or older, as

they are able to take greater responsibility for avoiding allergens.

Policy History:

Adopted on: 09/24/2013

Revised on: