School lunches

[LizP]

My ds1 in year 1 has decided he would like to try school lunches. He has an egg allergy that has reduced over the years so that now he only has problems with raw/under cooked eggs or very eggy things like omlettes. Looking at the menu it seems that there is plenty he can pick and should not have a problem. The school were not that keen but have now agreed he can have lunch on condition that I send a letter to the caterers saying they are not responsible for serving him safe stuff. I must say I think the school are responsible for ensuring he is given the necessary guidance - I've spoken to some of the lunch time helpers and they agree it will be simple to point out to him not the have the quiche for example. Has anyone dealt with this before. I did wonder if it could be seen as discrimination based on disability ? I do think the school will take suitable care but object to having to write saying they don't have too. Anyone got suggestions ? Thanks

my daughter has just started having school lunches. The caterers paniced a bit, although the food is all supposed to be nut free, but they accept they have to label anything that has nuts in it. Caterers have a legal obligation to tell you if food is safe if you ask, see this Food Standards Agency guidance

www.food.gov.uk/safereating/allergyintol/caterers/

Therefore if you do agree to write specifically exclude giving him unsafe food if he has asked what is in it. I'm not sure if the planned labelling changes affect this - all packaged food will have to labelled with major allergens soon. I'd also check that they know how to recognise a reaction/ what to do if there is one.

As my child now tends to stick to baked potato, with cheesy chips when the baked potato runs out, he'd probably eat better if you kept him on packed lunches!

Our school nurse was very helpful although other people haven't been so lucky.

Lizp you may want to read the school lunch consultation document and make comments on labelling. Its here

www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conSection.cfm?consultationId=1319&dId=519&sId=2859&numbering=0&itemNumber=1

Also this page has information on the EEC new labelling regulations, they apply from November. I think (but I'm not sure) they technically apply to restaurants because they talk about the final consumer? I know some restaurants have been fussing so I'm not sure if they apply/ if our government will enforce it.

europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/labellingnutrition/foodlabelling/comm_legisl_en.htm

Also refer your school and their caterers to this page which explains quite clearly the policies they should put in place.

At school we have a list of all chldren who have special dietary requirements advised by their parents and since almost all our food is prepared on site from scratch our staff are familiar with what's in there. They get to know the children -children, staff and parents are encouraged to intro the two parties - and then the staff can say 'Sorry you can't have that it's got red meat/nuts/eggs/pork in it'.

Thanks for your suggestions - think I'll still have to do the letter but will point out the guidelines to the school.