September 14th, 2014

We have a number of students for who contact with peanuts and/or tree nuts and their oils can cause serious, life-threatening reactions. 

 Therefore we ask that families are diligent in ensuring that all foods that are brought to school do not contain or have not come into contact with peanuts and/or tree nuts.  Of particular concern at the moment are granola bars and candy – please ensure they have the nut-free symbol on the package. 

 A substitute peanut butter product is being marketed to consumers as a safe alternative for children to bring to school in place of peanut butter.  The Waterloo Region District School Board asks that parents refrain from including these kinds of products in your child’s lunches or snacks. These products tend to look, taste, and smell very much like peanut butter.  While the product is nut free, it mimics a known allergen that causes anaphylaxis in some children to the degree that it is indistinguishable from the allergen.  It is a convincing substitute, opening up the possibility that it can be confused as peanut butter, or worse yet, peanut butter could be confused as this soy-based product. 

 The safety and health of our students is our first priority, which is why our schools have procedures in place to minimize risk of anaphylaxis reactions in our students.  We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in avoiding the use o these products to assist in our continued efforts to create a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment for all students.