In 2007, it was estimated that more than 3 million children, aged 18 years and under, had some kind of food allergy, and that number has been rising. Allergic reactions can range anywhere from mild – with symptoms like redness and itchiness – to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can include vomiting, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, death. To complicate matters, no one can predict with 100% certainty which children are at risk for anaphylaxis, and worse, a child doesn’t need to eat a food they are allergic to in order to have an anaphylactic reaction; contact with another child or an item that has been exposed to the allergen can sometimes be enough to trigger onset. (Source: SnackSafety.com)

The most effective way to address this within congregations is to establish a nut-free zone and prohibit foods containing peanut and tree nuts from entering the building.

Establish a nut-free policy because:

• Preschool-aged children and those younger may not know and/or communicate their own allergies

• Nut allergies are often immediate and severe

• Mere exposure to any nut product or item which contains nuts may trigger an immediate reaction

• Volunteer workers may also have nut allergies

Products such as peanut butter, Nutella, nut-containing food bars, and any other products that have nuts or peanuts listed in the ingredients should not be brought in, in order to prevent allergic reactions and to protect any children or staff who may suffer from these allergies. Many congregations have opted to ban homemade treats and require that any food items brought into the building be purchased and clearly marked as nut-free.