Notes from the conference on food safety in schools

On the 8th of October 2021 a very interesting online conference was held in Luxembourg about food allergies in the children’s sector, organised by the Securité Alimentaire.  It was directed especially towards those working in the food sector of educational and care structures, such as the maisons relais and creches, with the aim of providing a better understanding in dealing with children with food allergies and how to provide them with a safe environment when it comes to food.

 

It is clear that the number of people with food allergies is increasing, especially amongst children. Life with food allergies can be very challenging for these children and it is of great importance to make it possible for them to lead an as normal life as possible. Inclusion is key and children with food allergies should be able to eat at their care establishment just like any other children. Staff has to be trained and follow strict procedures in order to manage the risks associated with food allergies and to create a safe environment for all children.


There is a big difference between food allergies and food intolerances. A reaction to a food allergy can be a lot more severe and even life threatening compared to an intolerance. Childcare establishments need to know what type of allergy or intolerance a child has, in order to be able to cater for their specific needs.  In 2015 a PAI (Projet d’Accueil individualisé) was introduced, that is intended to improve the support and integration of children with specific health needs, such as food allergies, in educational and care establishments. The child’s doctor prepares the PAI stating the child’s requirements. It has to be signed by the parents and is then sent on to the Médicine Scolaire at the health ministry. After checking it they then forward it to the different care establishments (creches, primary and secondary schools, boarding schools, maison relais) and offer a training depending on the child’s requirements.

 

It is of utmost importance for the food establishments at the educational and care structures to know about a child’s allergies. Everyone who is involved with the allergic child, the teachers, the pedagogical team at the non-educational establishments (eg. maison relais) and the kitchen staff, need to know about the child’s PAI and their specific needs. A distinction is made on the PAI between an “eviction simple” and an “eviction stricte”. An “eviction simple” normally concerns a child who is only allergic to one allergen and is able to eat its traces. The child in this situation can eat the food from the canteen, either on a seperately prepared plate or from the buffet depending on whether the allergen is present. With an “eviction stricte” food that may contain traces of the allergen has to be strictly avoided, and allergen free food has to be brought in from an approved outside supplier or the parents have to provide the child with food from home. 

 

The Securité Alimentaire recommends for care establishments to follow the recommendations and guidelines in the “Guide de bonnes pratiques pour la gestion des allergies alimentaires dans les SEA” published by FEDAS (Féderation des acteurs du secteur social au Luxembourg asbl). Inspections are carried out by the Securité Alimenatire at the structures, focusing on those with the highest number of PAIs, where food is cooked onsite or where a complaint has been made. They follow a checklist that includes hygiene, if a written procedure exists concerning food allergies and whether there is staff training on food allergies. If an establishment does not adhere to the protocole in the PAI, a complaint should be filed to the Securité Alimentaire, who will investigate and follow up based on its report.

 

The aim is to create an inclusive environment and to manage the risks of food allergies at chilcare establishements. With the right measures in place, regular training and good communication between the educational and care establishments, the parents and doctors, all children should be able to safely eat at their care establishments. 

 

Link to “Guide de bonnes pratiques pour la gestion des allergies alimentaires dans les SEA”:
http://www.fedas.lu/fr/news/publication-du-guide-de-bonnes-pratiques-dhygiene-pour-la-gestion-des-allergies-alimentaires-dans-les-sea/

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