Posted on 08/08/2002 9:29:46 PM PDT by kcpopps
Cobb smooths flap: Schools can have peanut-free zones
By MICHAEL KOLBER Peanut-free zones are in; total bans are out. And that's Cobb's peanut policy, in a nutshell.
A new elementary school principal said Tuesday she would be banning all peanuts -- from candy bars to PB&J sandwiches -- on campus to prevent health problems. But Wednesday, the district said the principal misunderstood the county's policy and that all schools would continue creating peanut-free zones when necessary. "We're not banning peanut butter at that school or any Cobb County school," said Tony Arasi, an assistant superintendent of schools. A small number of people can have severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions to peanuts. Many children need only to avoid eating the Georgia staple. Some cannot touch anything contaminated with peanut oil. For those, schools will establish peanut-free cafeteria tables -- peanut-free galleries for the 21st century. Although Cobb has never needed a more extreme response than the peanut-free zones, some districts need to wipe down bus seats and remove all food before allergic students get on the bus. The hubbub began Tuesday when Constance Carter, who became principal of Nickajack Elementary School in Smyrna on July 1, announced peanuts would be banned. Carter did not return a phone call to her office Wednesday. The school will send a letter to parents explaining the peanut policy. King Springs Elementary School, also in Smyrna, had the peanut-free tables last year. Georgia produces 38 percent of the country's peanuts.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer
Peanut free zones huh? Is there ANY substance that someone, somewhere, is not allergic too? Should everyone become bubble boy?
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