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I think the reason these allergies are popping up because kids 1) aren't going outside as much when they are younger and 2) are eating different foods than we did. I know my parents made me eat whatever they prepare and I'm sure there are a lot of parents that feed kids whatever they want in order to pacify them.
My county has required that all staff members receive epi-pen training for allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is no joke- a child can easily die if you don't know what to do. At the middle and high school level, kids are mixed in and are pretty aware of what they can't be around. At the elementary level, we have tables that are nut-free in the cafeteria.
One thing that I have seen more and more often now are students who have Crohn's disease. I had a volleyball player who had it last year and missed most of the season due to the symptoms being so sever and having to go in for infusion shots. Crohn's is one of those things that can really keep you out of school and is super embarrassing for the kids. My mother has it and has it relatively in control through medication, but with students going through puberty and their bodies changing, it can take a very long time before its relatively in control.
Students at my school are aware of what they can't be around, but that may not happen at the elementary school level. The schools are trying to cover their behinds by being safe. It's the same thing with zero-tolerance for drugs, alcohol, and weapons. You are there to be guardians and ensure the safety of children for 7-8 hours a day.
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