Mabin Food Allergy Reminder – Mabin is a Nut-Free Zone

Food allergies in children are on the rise. A current statistic quotes seven per cent of children and two per cent of adults are affected by food allergies. Here is some information and reminders to help keep the many children with allergies safe at Mabin.

Common allergy offenders are peanuts, nuts, eggs and fish, though the list can rise to almost 200 allergens. The reactions to these range from mild to severe—those causing anaphylactic reaction.

An anaphylactic reaction can come quickly after exposure to the offending food. It affects the airways, skin, and digestive tract resulting in death within as few as 15 minutes without the proper response. Immediate medical attention is required while an injection of epinephrine can slow down a reaction until the child is transported to hospital. (Epipens are kept at school for affected children.)

Mabin is a nut-free school.  Therefore not sending peanut and nut products in your child’s lunch bag is one way to eliminate risks of exposure.  The other is to ensure that hands and mouths are washed following breakfast when it includes these foods and as well after lunch if necessary.  This cuts down the possibility of an allergen getting passed on through play or while handling books, toys and water taps. Discuss with your child the importance of not sharing lunches or making fun of other children’s lunches, who may eat different foods to their’s.

The labeling of nuts may also be ambiguous. Alternative names for peanuts/nuts include mandelonas, marzipan, Nu-Nuts and nut meats and hydrolyzed protein. Peanuts/nuts are often found in granola bars, cookies (and other baked goods,) cereals, chocolate bars, energy bars, Nutella, pesto. Please read labels to check for nut product listings.                             

If you are one of the lucky ones who do not have to deal with a food allergy in your family, please be compassionate towards those that do as they are dealing with a life-threatening situation on a daily basis.

Here are some examples of nut-free lunches and snacks:

• Plain popcorn
• Mini pita stuffed with tuna salad
• Meat slices
• Raw veggies with yogurt dip
• Chicken noodle soup
• Macaroni and cheese
• Bagel with cream
• Cheese and crackers
• Yogurt
• Fruit
• Homemade muffins