Food Allergies at Schools
Our focus is to help people who feel uncomfortable about trying new foods in a cafeteria because of food allergies, feel more comfortable. Many kids at school are affected by this because there is a pretty high amount of allergies that that happen in school. We are focusing on food mixing and cross contamination. We are doing whatever it takes to stop this problem. |
People with food allergies in the U.S. is high. 32 million Americans have food allergies and about 5.6 million are children (under the age of 18).
Additionally, 1 in 13 children are affected with allergens and 42 percent of children with allergies experience a bad reaction (this can include a life threatening situation). Next, 20 percent of children will have an allergic reaction at school. Lastly, Anaphylactic reactions have grown since 2007 til 2016, showing that a problem with food allergies exists. |
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act in 2004, FALCPA, only regulates packaged foods on top 8 food allergens.
Top 8 allergens are: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybean
However, there is no mandatory regulation on "loose" or prepared food labeling (non pre-packed food, food made and served at cafeterias, restaurants, delis, etc.). Thus, food mixing or cross contact of foods can occur.
Since our focus is to help kids at school feel more comfortable trying new foods, they have to feel safe about what they are eating. So, it is important to note the current food regulations in place on labeling ingredient/allergens DO NOT fully protect against cross contamination on prepared foods. This picture shows Pico de gallo falling into the guacamole. Therefor, if a student wants to eat guacamole, but are allergic to Pico de gallo, they cannot eat it. This is a challenge that many students have to face day by day. We are trying to decrease the chance of this happening to YOU.
*Sources: foodallergy.org, fda.gov, cdc.gov, nytimes.com,
Interview with Kahn Sharafat, General Manager of Dining at Windward School.
Food Allergy Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eFHFpG3-EU
Interview with Kahn Sharafat, General Manager of Dining at Windward School.
Food Allergy Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eFHFpG3-EU