Food Allergies... The New Mommy War Battleground

I was not aware that this was such a hot topic until recently. But apparently food allergies are causing quite the stir, especially in elementary schools. I was aware that some schools are "peanut free" schools. A daycare I worked at was a "peanut free" zone, and we were made aware of any kids with allergies. But I didn't know the extent of this drama until the last week or so. Some schools are going so far as to say that any food made in a factory where peanuts could be processed are banned. Now, I don't have kids in school, so I haven't had to deal with this yet. And if peanuts and peanut products were banned from my house, I can name two people who would probably be very close to malnourished by week's end. (Not me, and not Jonah.) My husband and my daughter love their peanut butter. But sure, if it was going to help make a kid safe, I'd forgo packing the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Thing is, have you ever looked at the labels on foods? Half the stuff that has no business being near peanuts was made in factories where they process them. I don't know why but it is how it goes. So how do parents deal with this? And is it really fair to inflict that one everyone? This is a tough question because I can't imagine parents want to put other children in danger. But for plenty of parents, I can imagine it isn't as simple as substituting the beloved peanut butter and jelly for ham and cheese. Other foods cost more. You have to deal with picky children. Other allergies.

And then there is the issue of how practical and helpful this ban really is. What about the lunch that I prepare in my kitchen where peanuts are allowed? Is that really any different than stuff being packaged in a plant where peanuts are processed? What if I give my kids peanut butter on toast before school, since they can't have it at school, and they don't wash their hands well enough? Are peanuts now going to be banned from my home? I'm not trying to be sarcastic. I just don't know how helpful a school wide ban of peanut products would be if kids are still able to bring their contaminated selves to school. I guess it is a bit like keeping kids home from school when they show signs of sickness. They were already contagious days before that. But it seems like a better solution than doing nothing at all.

Anyway, this one is kind of stumping me. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I don't want kids to have reactions to allergies at school. But I don't know how this should really be managed. Any thoughts?