for 4-8th Grade Student Detectives
An Informational Brief
to support
Mission Success
Lots of Kids Have Food
AllergiesI’m allergic
to
peanuts.
I’m allergic
to tree nuts
and wheat.
About 2 kids in every classroom is likely to have a food allergy.
The Immune System Your immune system fights germs. Sometimes the
immune system makes a mistake and fights food
proteins.
Germs
Immune
System
Allergic
Reactions
Allergic Reaction
Warning Signs
• Itchy mouth
• Rash
• Itchy, raised hives
• Tightness in the throat
• Difficulty Breathing
If someone is having an allergic reaction, they need help right away.
If you can’t find an adult
call 911
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-
sis) is a serious allergic
reaction that can be deadly.
Eight Common Food Allergens
Milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy are the most common foods allergens
among individuals with food allergies.
Board-Certified Pediatric Allergist
I can determine
if you are
allergic to
something.
I can prescribe
epinephrine, a life
saving
medication.
Emergency Medication Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
www.epipen.com
www.adrenaclick.com www.auvi-q.com
www.epinephrineautoinject.com
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
Watch this video to learn about the Auvi-Q™ auto-injector
Avoid Problem Foods
People with food
allergies need to avoid
problem foods.
Eating just a tiny amount of a problem food can cause an allergic reaction.
Which of These Foods Contains
Egg?
Read Ingredient
Lists
Cross-Contact
What are some ways that an apple could have cross
contact with peanut butter?
Follow School Rules
Examples of School Rules:
- Allergen-Free Classroom
- Allergen-Free Lunch Tables
- No Eating on the Bus
- No Sharing Food
- No Food Fights
- Wash Hands After Eating
Don’t Share Food or Drinks
Don’t trade or share lunch items. Don’t share snacks and desserts.
Don’t share water bottles. Don’t share gum or candy.
Wash Your Hands
After Eating
Soap and water will help clean food off of your hands.
Hand Sanitizer will NOT clean food off of your hands.
Get Help Right Away
If you can’t find an adult
call 911
Be Kind
Never Tease
Never Bully
Be Considerate
Instead of … How about …
New pencils
A new book
Homemade
Cup Cakes
Playground
equipment
Donuts
Fresh
Baked
CookiesStore-bought
cookies
with an
ingredient list
Spread Awareness
Celebrate Food Allergy Awareness during the month of May
Share a FAACT bookmark with your friends
Hang a FAACT Poster
Read food allergy stories to younger students
Ask your school to purchase awareness posters, bookmarks and other resources from FAACT
Host a Fundraiser for FAACT
Visit FAACT at www.FoodAllergyAwareness.org
Clip Art Image
Acknowledgements
Clip Art on slide 16 comes from
clipartbest.com
All other Clip Art images come from
openclipart.org
This program has been approved by FAACT’s
Medical Advisory Board and is supported by