20% of food allergy reactions occur in schools and 70% of schools have at least one child at risk of anaphylaxis

Allergy affects at least 25% of European schoolchildren. It reduces quality of life and impairs school performance. There is a risk of severe reactions with food allergy and, in rare cases, death.

Allergy is a multi-system disorder, and children often have several co-existing diseases, i.e. allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema and food allergy.

Severe food allergy reactions may occur for the first time at school, and overall 20% of food allergy reactions occur in schools. Up to two-thirds of schools have at least one child at risk of anaphylaxis but many are poorly prepared.

Schools should ensure that all staff can prevent, recognize and initiate basic treatment of allergic reactions.

References:

The management of the allergic child at school: EAACI/GA2LEN Task Force on the allergic child at school. Muraro A, Clark A, Beyer K, Borrego LM, Borres M, Lødrup Carlsen KC, Carrer P, Mazon A, Rancè F, Valovirta E, Wickman M, Zanchetti M. Allergy 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02343.x

Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies In Schools - by CDC http://buff.ly/1aD3HiM

Management of Food Allergy in the School Setting - Pediatrics, 2010 http://goo.gl/J7qsI

Amid Protest, Florida School Stands Behind Tough New Peanut Allergy Regulations http://goo.gl/joUsS - Little evidence to back this approach: http://goo.gl/59VKU

Helping Families Manage Food Allergy in Schools - Medscape http://goo.gl/kCsTs

Management of food allergy in schools - AAAAI Ask the Expert, 2011.

Overhyped Panics - WSJ, 2011.