August 14, 2009

Food allergies can pose a serious hazard for some students, which is why Sen. Cronin sponsored House Bill 281 to require Illinois schools to develop and implement a policy for managing students with life-threatening food allergies.

“You can’t underestimate the effect some food allergies can have on kids—in some instances it becomes a matter of life-and-death. Food allergies are increasing at an alarming rate, and have become a problem in schools throughout the state,” Cronin said.

“House Bill 281 will reduce the likelihood that children with a deadly allergy will be accidently exposed to a food that can really harm them, and also ensure school personnel are properly equipped to handle an allergic reaction.”

Cronin said that the guidelines must be developed with proper experts, and will include education on food allergies for school personnel. That would include training on how to respond to a life-threatening allergic reaction, protocol for preventing food allergens and a process for implementing health care and food allergy action plans for students with a life-threatening food allergy.