School

Home-Ec Mix Up

I was cooking cupcakes for a home economics assignment in class when I had a reaction while mixing eggs and flour. I am allergic to eggs but thought I would be okay, since I wouldn’t be eating the cupcake. I must have had too much contact with it, because it triggered a few allergy symptoms.

What can others learn from this?

Take extra precautions if you are close to things to which you are allergic. I should have been more conscious of hygiene issues and should have been more careful by wearing gloves. I also should have distanced myself from the eggs and asked a friend to do the mixing for me.

Nutty Fundraiser

A club at school was selling candy bars in the hall. Most of the chocolate had peanuts or nuts in them, and students were eating them everywhere. I felt very uncomfortable since I have a peanut allergy and I worried that I would touch or eat something that would be contaminated from peanuts. It turns out that the club did not seek permission to sell them and did not know about our school’s ‘peanut-aware’ policy. My friends took me outside to get some air. Afterwards we went back in and informed a teacher about the situation.

What can others learn from this?

Let people know that you are feeling uncomfortable and explain why. Then let an administrator know about it. You shouldn’t have to feel unsafe in a place you know should be safe. If your school has an anaphylaxis policy, take the initiative to make sure it’s followed.

The Class Trip

My class was going to see a musical and dine at a Chinese restaurant afterwards. I told the trip co-ordinator that this was a risky situation, since I am allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, and this restaurant cooks everything in peanut oil. They also had a buffet, which poses a great cross-contamination risk. The trip co-ordinator did nothing and told my principal that I was being “fussy”. I told my mom about the problem who spoke with the teacher and principal but at that point it was too late to change the restaurant so I ended up not going on the trip.

What can others learn from this?

Unfortunately I missed out on the trip because I didn’t feel comfortable going to this restaurant. Looking back, I wish I had gone to the play and had worked with my school in the planning of the event by suggesting a different restaurant.

Have you experienced risky situation with your food allergies at school? How did you manage it? Share your experience!