Aside from the general concerns I mentioned in my previous entry, parents of children with food allergies also have to look where food allergens may be hiding. No, not at the canteen, not in other kids' lunchboxes, but in art and science supplies, for example.

For example, peanuts may be used as a "glue" to hold foods together; or used peanut jars may hold crayons. Wheat can be found in papier maché, while egg is sometimes used to thicken tempera paint.

FAAN offers these specific steps you can take before sending your child with severe allergies back to school or child care:

• Meet with school staff before the school year starts to go over all over all allergy needs, from cafeteria and snacks, to potential hidden danger areas.


• Go through art and science supply closets to check materials and labels.


• Make sure teachers feel free to call you any time during the school year to check on new materials that might come in or potentially questionable projects.


• Suggest substituting food rewards with stickers, pencils, or erasers.

Educating your child about his own conditions is of utmost importance, but, particularly for very small children, everyone around him also needs to be informed as well.