Peanut Bans in Schools

[trisigma212]

Originally Posted by Hartofsec

I didn't know that the scent of peanut products could trigger a reaction -- wouldn't this depend on proteins becoming airborne at some threshold? I just didn't realize that this occurred.

I think its because of the oils in the peanuts that can cause a reaction. Same concept with an air freshener or oil diffuser. You get the scent because of the oils in the product.

Some schools have banned homemade goodies for classes, thinking that store-bought is a better option, but if it doesn't specifically say on the package that it was produced in a factory where peanut products aren't used, it's not any safer. I doubt very seriously that Little Debbie has two separate factories for ding-dongs and nutty bars.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by trisigma212

I think its because of the oils in the peanuts that can cause a reaction. Same concept with an air freshener or oil diffuser. You get the scent because of the oils in the product.

Some schools have banned homemade goodies for classes, thinking that store-bought is a better option, but if it doesn't specifically say on the package that it was produced in a factory where peanut products aren't used, it's not any safer. I doubt very seriously that Little Debbie has two separate factories for ding-dongs and nutty bars.

Just about ALL schools ban homemade treats, but when that occurred back in the 80s, it had more to do with AIDS than allergies. I vaguely remember when you could bring homemade, then the next year it was banned.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Just about ALL schools ban homemade treats, but when that occurred back in the 80s, it had more to do with AIDS than allergies. I vaguely remember when you could bring homemade, then the next year it was banned.

I never heard of it having anything to do with AIDS. It was always just a more general hygiene thing.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

I never heard of it having anything to do with AIDS. It was always just a more general hygiene thing.

In my area, AIDS was specifically mentioned as one of the major reasons. That info might have come from a source outside the school system, though. My mom had a contract with UofI at the time and was a clinical counselor for their AIDS clinic. There's a good chance that's where I read about those details. The myths surrounding AIDS back in the 80's somewhat intrigued me.