As students across the country return to school, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging parents to be aware of potential food allergens. The USDA has identified nine common allergens: milk, fish, eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame, which was added to the list this year. According to the USDA, one in 13 children has a food allergy.
USDA Program Specialist Zoya Sattar has provided tips on how to pack safe lunches for children. "Teach your child to wash your hands before and after eating, identify what those allergens look like and, this may be a little hard, but don’t share food with friends if in case they do get sick or your own child gets sick,” Sattar said. Rocktown Now reports.
The USDA's advice comes as part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and health of students as they return to school.