Antwerp School Implements Strict Peanut Ban to Protect Student with Severe Allergy
Antwerp’s Groenhout school has enacted comprehensive measures, including a ban on peanut butter in teh teachers’ lounge, to safeguard an 11-year-old student with a life-threatening peanut allergy. The swift response follows concerns raised by the girl’s mother about potential exposure risks within the school environment.
The school’s actions underscore a growing awareness of severe allergies among children and the critical need for proactive safety protocols. While this is the first year the school has addressed such a severe allergy, the changes impact students, parents, and staff, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and student wellbeing. The measures aim to minimize the risk of accidental exposure, which for this student can trigger a serious reaction from ingestion, touch, or even simply smelling peanuts.
“We are of course satisfied that the school takes the allergy seriously and that the risks for our daughter are limited,” said Sanne‘s mother. “If she eats peanuts herself, but also when she touches or smells the nuts, she can get a serious response.”
The school notified parents and students via email and addressed the issue at a recent details evening. “It is nice to know that the school is working on it. It is also a reassurance for herself,” the mother added. “She is also anxious about it herself, for example, she will always check what is in her food.”
Beyond the notification, the school has posted signage at the entrance and adjusted staff practices. “It is the first year that we have experienced this. But we try to take it into account as much as possible,” a Groenhout secretariat representative stated.
To prepare for potential emergencies, the school maintains epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). Sanne carries one herself, and teachers have been trained in their proper use, with a presentation provided by the CLB (Flemish Community Education and welfare).
