FAN points out that for a ban to work, a district would need to require all school employees to diligently read ingredient labels and call manufacturers to determine if a food contained any of the banned substance. That's not a realistic expectation Additionally, banning a specific food causes a number of other problems. It may create a false sense of security that could be disastrous since diligence is key to preventing allergic reactions. Some parents may believe that banning peanut butter sandwiches will take care of their child's peanut allergy problem. However, peanuts are used in a variety of products in ways many people might not suspect Further, food allergies in children are not limited to peanuts.
Many children also have allergies to wheat, tree nuts, milk and eggs, for example.
A board decision to ban peanut products only could subject the district to criticism and potential legal liability because some children would receive more protection than others with different food allergies. A ban, FAN maintains, is a divisive force that pits parents against parents. Instead of a ban, according to FAN, school employees should cooperate to form a safety net around those children at risk. FAN recommends a training program where everyone understands what foods cause allergies, what the symptom of an allergic reaction are, what action to take, and where medications are stored. They should be aware of students who have life-threatening allergies and who have been prescribed medication.