Safety of Children with Food Allergies in Public Schools: Gaps, Challenges, and Strategies for Improvement

Food allergies in school-aged children are a growing public health concern, requiring coordinated strategies to ensure safety in educational settings. This study aimed to evaluate the safety conditions for children and young people with food allergies in public schools of the municipality of Matosinhos, Portugal. A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted during the 2022/2023 academic year, targeting coordinating teachers from all public schools. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on national guidelines for managing food allergies in schools. Results revealed significant gaps in preparedness: 35.99% of respondents reported the absence of a formal document on food allergies, 66.01% indicated no school training plan on the topic, and bar and canteen staff were often excluded from training (50.00% and 42.00%, respectively). Furthermore, 83.02% stated that preventive measures were not consistently adopted, and 49.99% felt insufficiently trained to act in emergencies. Based on these findings, an intervention project with tailored training sessions for coordinating teachers was proposed to improve safety and inclusion for students with food allergies. The study highlights the urgent need for standardized protocols, inclusive training, and preventive measures in schools to mitigate risks and foster a safe learning environment for children with food allergies.