AIBU to report nut-containing muffins being brought into a nut-free school?

Agreed. I have had various issues with youth activities/clubs. Scouts were the worst. My son had to leave because the leaders view to me asking for safe processes for his allergies was that my son needed to just "be more resilient". Fuckwit

Our DC has an anaphylactic wheat/barley/rye allergy, and there is obviously not going to be a ban on all wheat/barley/rye products in the school from September, when they start. We’re focusing instead on teaching DC never to accept food that’s not theirs, and on getting adults to check for allergens in ingredients lists, on being comfortable asking and double-checking, and on hygiene, so washing hands before eating to avoid touch contamination.

Basically, focusing on what’s in our control. It’s all we can do.

Exactly that. As someone who unexpectedly developed anaphylaxis as an adult, I would love to see EpiPens dotted about everywhere a bit like defibrillators are.

I hope the law is extended to youth groups, sports clubs etc in the future.

They are not currently allowed to buy them as they are restricted medicines.

For the sake of £100 a year (or however frequently they need up-dating) it’s nothing. I just read on Benedict’s website, that 30% reactions are in children who don’t realise they even had an allergy. I’m so glad this madness has been called out. I know we can’t rely on autoinjectors, but it’s a good measure to have in place. Hopefully people will take ingredients listing more seriously too. I always feel like the fussy mum asking.

It would cost about £100 to buy a couple of EpiPens and keep them in a suitable location

However, I do like the Kitt boxes as they are very visible. it's perhaps a good thing for PTAs to fund

You are missing the point. None of us are suggesting the schools go dairy (etc) free. We are just pointing out the irrationality of being angry at parents who send nuts to school when all foods can be deadly allergens

I mean, they have to have spare EpiPens from September

This thread has been so useful. So sad to hear of all these deaths. Amazing that their parents have pushed incredible things from their tragedies. I will see if the school will get spare EpiPens.

I’d be incredibly worried if someone at work had a severe allergy and we were asked to be X free. I’d absolutely try to comply. My worry is the day I forget to take lunch and buy a sandwich. I’m probably doing it because I’m running late and might forget
to check. I can see that risk for school as well.

What an awful thing to have on your conscience if you cause a reaction.

DD’s school bans nuts, but do not seem to push the message very hard. Children bring in Nutella, sesame seeds on buns, almond milk etc
I don’t know if there are any children with nut allergies at school, so I am still careful, but no one else seems to bother.

This is so interesting and I hadn’t seen this. My school bans nuts and sesame because these are the two severe allergies in the school. I assume the nut ban is always in place?? But yes, sensible behaviour would be better than a random ban. Like, listing ingredients on school meals, listing ingredients at cake sales, wiping tables down between sittings etc etc etc

From Seotember, schools are expected to have spare epipens on site. Part of Benedicts Law.

On dragons den, some entrepreneurs had come up with a wall unit containing EpiPens - like those wall mounted defibrillators. I would love it if these could be in all schools. Unfortunately it’s several hundred pounds a year (if I remember correctly) so I don’t think this is likely to be considered a priority. My son always has his EpiPens at school but it’s the children who haven’t yet been stung by a bee or haven’t realised they are allergic to sesame that are the risks…

lets ust ignore the anaphylaxis campaign and leading specialist advice linked to on rhis thread, . Op should actually talk to tbe school about their allergy policy and question why they have a nut ban in the first place ,

No, it isn't weird at all.

My first thought would be "why is she sending food containing nuts to a nut free school".

It would be the first thought of any sensible parent, especially if the child is sharing her food.

I think if you go back to this discussion with your friend she is going to take offence. Why not tell the teacher and ask her to get one of the lunch staff to ask the dc what flavour their muffins are and then they will have a reason to ask the Mum about the ingredients. Then they can explain the importance to her.

As a parent of a child with a different medical issue that means weight gain is hard come by & she needs a lot of nutrient/calorie dense food, I actually could cry when I hear people suggesting schools go:

• nut free
• egg free
• dairy free
• sugar free
• fish free (yep we have kids in our school with fish allergies)

In our school fava beans and sesame are also banned so no falafel or hummous either

Add in the trend for people suggesting more vegetarian meals for children & my daughter would actually waste away.

I think it’s odd you got the recipe and didn’t just say “oh I’m surprised you send these, they contain nuts?!”. How do you know nobody has a nut allergy? I think all schools are nut free just incase.

The nut free school trend is awful. Its so dangerous. There's a reason its not what allergy UK recommend.

Living with allergy means you have to be on guard. There are no allergen free places in reality, & the illusion just means people let their guard down, and don't learn critical habits like handwashing and not sharing food.

It is. I take responsibility for a 5 yo with dairy/egg allergy and an epipen. I am terrified. She can die if exposed to milk.
Mum trusts me because I have the same issue with milk. And the little girl is so good with dealing with it and knows to stick to the rules. But I always carry my own epipens as well as she has her in her bag.

Well phrased op

I had no idea re dairy being such a big allergen!

What do you mean/who was that addressed to?

Sometimes it's ok to be "that" parent!