Food Allergies/Special Dietary Needs

Definitions Special dietary needs include food intolerances, allergies, and other medical needs that may require avoidance of specific foods. Food allergies are abnormal responses of the body's immune system to certain foods or ingredients. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity to a substance and may be caused by a food allergy. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, difficulty talking or swallowing, hives, itching, swelling, shock, or asthma. (Education Code 49414) In severe cases, anaphylaxis may result in lowered blood pressure, loss of consciousness, or even death. Symptoms typically appear immediately after exposure to a certain food or substance but in rare cases may occur after a few hours. Epinephrine auto-injector is a disposable drug delivery system with a spring-activated concealed needle that is designed for emergency administration of epinephrine to persons suffering a potentially fatal reaction to anaphylaxis. (Education Code 49414) Notification by Parent/Guardian If their child has a known food allergy, the parents/guardians shall notify the Superintendent or designee, in writing, and provide written medical documentation, signed by a physician, that describes the nature of the student's condition, instructions, and necessary medications. If the food allergy requires food substitutions or modifications in school meals, the written statement shall also describe the specific foods to be restricted and the foods that should be substituted. Prevention To minimize students' exposure to foods to which they are allergic, the Superintendent or designee shall, at a minimum, implement the following preventive measures: - Notification to District Staff When notified by the parent/guardian that a student has a food allergy, the Superintendent or designee shall inform the student's principal, teacher(s), bus driver, school nurse, coach, substitute teacher, and/or any other personnel responsible for supervising the student. The principal or designee shall notify substitute staff of any students with known food allergies and the school's response plan. - Food Services The district's food services program shall make food substitutions in breakfasts, lunches, and after-school snacks when students are considered to have a disability under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that restricts their diet and when a physician has signed a statement of need that includes recommended alternate foods. (7 CFR 210.10, 220.8) Substitutions may be made on a case-by-case basis for students who do not have a disability under Section 504 but who cannot consume the regular breakfast, lunch, or after-school snack because of medical or other special dietary needs, when supported by a statement of need signed by a recognized medical authority. (7 CFR 210.10, 220.8, 225.16) The district's food services staff shall check food labels or specifications to ensure that foods do not contain traces of substances to which the student is allergic. Under no circumstances shall food services staff prescribe nutritional requirements or revise a diet order prescribed by a physician. Food substitutions shall not result in any additional cost to the student. - Class Parties/School Activities Without identifying the student, the principal or teacher may notify parents/guardians of other students in the class that a student is allergic to a specific food and may request that the food not be provided at class parties or other school events. Whenever the ingredients in any food served at class parties or other school activities are unknown, the student shall be encouraged to avoid the food. - Sanitation and Cleaning To avoid spreading allergens, cafeteria tables and classroom surfaces shall be cleaned with a fresh cloth or disposable paper towels and cleaning products known to effectively remove food proteins, excluding waterless cleaners or instant hand sanitizers that do not involve a wet-wash step. Cross-contact from a sponge or cloth used to clean allergen-containing tabletops shall be avoided. Staff shall use and promote hand-washing using soap and water before and after food handling. Students shall be notified that exchanging meals or utensils is prohibited. - Professional Development Schoolwide professional development shall be provided to appropriate staff on the identification and management of food allergies, including avoidance measures, typical symptoms, the proper use of epinephrine auto-injectors, documentation and storage of medication, and emergency drills. - Supervision of Students Staff who are trained and knowledgeable about symptoms of anaphylaxis and actions to take in an emergency shall provide supervision in the classroom and cafeteria and on the playground whenever students known to have a food allergy are on school grounds. - Health Education The district's health education curriculum may include instruction on food allergies in order to assist food-allergic students in taking responsibility for monitoring their diet and to teach other students about the dangers of sharing foods or utensils with others. Emergency Response Epinephrine auto-injectors or other medicine provided for use in the event of an anaphylactic shock reaction shall be stored and used in accordance with law and BP/AR 5141.21 - Administering Medication and Monitoring Health Conditions. In addition, staff shall call 911 and seek immediate medical attention for a student experiencing an anaphylactic shock reaction. As soon as possible, school staff shall contact the student's parents/guardians or other person identified as an emergency contact.