Salad Bar and Allergies

Specialties School

Published

  • by denstar
    Specializes in School Nursing.

You are reading page 2 of Salad Bar and Allergies

OldDude

1 Article; 4,787 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
We had a high schooler have an anaphylactic reaction when the school put peanut butter cookies out instead of the advertised sugar cookies. One touch is all it took. She knew her allergy, and knew to avoid. But sugar cookies and peanut butter cookies look an awful lot alike. As soon as she picked it up she could smell the peanut butter. Yes, kids need to be responsible, but it is also our job as a school to help keep them safe.

No doubt! Vigilance on both sides will never cover all the possibilities but one keeps adapting. It's like trying to "kid proof" something - not possible!!!

Amethya

1,821 Posts

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

Our lunches are from a catering company, and they advertise what they will serve. Maybe like 1% of the time it's something different, but we have no peanuts in our foods. Most of my epi-pen and food allergy students are super vigilant on the foods they eat, and we haven't had any issues this year or last, but most of them bring their own lunch especially because our food isn't.... good.

denstar

44 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing.

Thanks OldDude! We're figuring out a good plan going forward. Part of the issue is parents pay ahead of time for lunches. Students then go to the hot lunch or sandwich line to get the main part of their meals, and then go to the salad bar. From the salad bar they just go straight to their table to eat, so there really is no one checking salad bar food before students eat. That would be great to have food services have to check students out and have a 'back up' allergy check!

denstar

44 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing.
Is it possible to ask mom what he likes in a salad, and have the cafeteria prepare him one on salad bar day? It doesn't take long, kid is safe, mom is happy, salad bar stays.

That's a good idea - for certain students who might have any of their allergens in the food bar. I'll bring that up!

denstar

44 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing.
I'm kind of impressed that 1) there were chick peas on the salad bar and 2) that the student was adventurous enough to try one! Unfortunately, it all went wrong but...save the salad bar!!

Yes! The salad bar is fantastic - the children are really encouraged to make healthy choices, and do!

Julius Seizure

1 Article; 2,282 Posts

Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
You Bet!! If a 5 year old can navigate their way through an Ipad, they're certainly intelligent enough to be taught how to avoid a food, and its derivatives, that has the potential to kill them.

I think you have stumbled upon a great idea for an iPad game, actually...

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