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As your child's cafeteria food service provider, we at Maschio's strive to reduce the risk of food allergy incidents in your school. Remember, for life threatening allergies, meals from home provide the safest option. We understand that this is not always possible or practical for all students. We will work with you and the staff to try to prevent an allergic reaction from meals served during the school day. Please understand that it is not our responsibility to alter meals for students with food allergies unless we have proper medical documentation based on USDA guidelines. However, we will try to assist you in making safe food choices for your child.

Specific ingredient information for allergies may be obtained from the individual school cafeteria of interest. It is not the intention of Maschio's to provide specific nutrition information for medical use, but rather to provide users with information to better understand the nutritional content of the foods available. Please read our "Response to Requests for Medical Information Relative to Food Products" document. If you have questions regarding food ingredients or nutrition information please feel free to contact me at (973)598-0005 or hhalsey@maschiofood.com. Below is more information regarding food allergies and what you and your child can do to reduce your child's risk.

Check back often for up-to-date information and answers to frequently asked questions. We look forward to working with you in our continuing efforts to reduce the risk of food allergy incidents in our schools.

What You Need to Know

What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system to a protein in food. The reaction can be a life threatening condition and should be diagnosed and documented by a board certified allergist.

What are other food reactions or sensitivities called?
These are known as food intolerances. These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and are generally not life threatening. The most common food intolerance is lactose intolerance, which involves the digestive system. If a child who is lactose intolerant drinks milk or eats dairy, he or she may experience gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Which foods cause allergies?

8 Most Common Allergens Cause 90% of Allergic Reactions:
Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree Nuts
Soy
Wheat
Fish
Shellfish

What are the Symptoms of a food allergy?
Symptoms of a food allergy vary depending on the individual. They can vary in severity, time of onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten.

Common Symptoms include:

• Skin Irritations such as rashes, hives, eczema
  
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
  
• Sneezing
  
• Runny nose
  
• Shortness of Breath
  
• Anaphylaxis: a rare but potentially fatal condition in which several parts of the body experience allergic reactions simultaneously. These may include itching, hives, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, lower blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Symptoms appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Standard emergency treatment usually includes an injection of epinephrine to open the airway and blood vessels.
  

What should you do if you believe a student is having a food allergic reaction?
Implement the student's food allergy action plan. See a sample attached at the end of this packet. In an emergency situation dial 9-1-1. Get medical assistance immediately! Know what to do in an emergency. Coordinate among food service with school nurses, principal, teachers and the healthcare provider. Develop and know your food allergy emergency plan today.

GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allergies can be life threatening. The risk of accidental exposure to foods can be reduced in the school setting if schools work with students, parents, and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for food-allergic students.

Family's Responsibility:

• Notify the school of the child's allergies.
  
• Work with the school team to develop a plan that accommodates the child's needs throughout the school including in the classroom, in the cafeteria, in after-care programs, during school-sponsored activities, and on the school bus.
  
• Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medications as directed by a physician. Include a photo of the child on written form.
  
• The Standard Food Allergy Substitution form should be completed and signed by a physician for each child with a life threatening food allergy. It should be kept on private file with both the nursing and food service staff for reference. It is illegal based on HIPPA regulations to publicly display the child's health information or photo.
  
• Provide properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
  
• Educate the child in the self-management of their food allergy including:
  -safe and unsafe foods
  -strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods
  -symptoms of allergic reactions
  -how and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem
  -how to read food labels (age appropriate)
  
• Review policies/procedures with the school staff, the child's physician, and the child (if age appropriate) after a reaction has occurred.
  
• Provide emergency contact information.

Student's Responsibility :

• Should not trade food with others.
  
• Should not eat anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain any allergen.
  
• Should be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions based on their developmental level.
  
• Should notify an adult immediately if they eat something they believe may contain the food to which they are allergic.
  

Adapted information from:
American School Food Service Association
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of School Nurses
National School Boards Association
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

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