Whereas, Food allergy and anaphylactic allergies among children are an increasing school health issue, and approximately 2.2 million school-age children are at risk in the United States and reactions account for 30,000 emergency room visits and 150-200 deaths, many in schools, each year in the United States; and
Whereas, The prevalence of food allergies among children in the United States has increased substantially with the incidence of peanut allergies doubling over a recent five year period; and
Whereas, Just eight foods account for 85-90 percent of all food allergic reactions, namely milk, egg, wheat, peanut, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish; and
Whereas, Accidental ingestion or exposure by children may occur most often at schools and daycares where children often consume two meals and a snack during the day, and in some cases a reaction may be the first sign of an allergy; and
Whereas, The importance of managing food-allergic students has been recognized by the National Association of School Nurses, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National School Boards Association, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; and
Whereas, Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction because there is no cure for food allergies; therefore be it
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations inform students, parents, school personnel and the community about the prevalence of food allergies and allergen avoidance; and be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations support the development, funding and implementation of school emergency response plans including food allergy guidelines and anaphylactic kits on site including the school lunchroom as well as having staff members trained in allergy symptoms and prevention techniques; and be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations educate states and school districts to consider the risks of food allergies when planning ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand school-sponsored events; and be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations strongly encourage all exhibitors, vendors and sponsors to provide upon request all allergen information pertinent to their products; and be it further
Resolved, That National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand its constituent organizations encourage parents and guardians to inform their school, child care providers, and group activity leaders of their children’s existing food allergies.
Adopted: June 2009