ALLENTOWN — A school policy regarding peanut products has some parents confused.

The Upper Freehold Regional School District has implemented a new food allergy policy, which defines terms and procedures used in relation to life-threatening food allergies in the schools.

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the new policy, according to the Board of Education, is its request for parents and guardians to voluntarily refrain from packing peanut products in their students' lunchboxes.

"We have to get people to understand that this policy is voluntary and that their compliance goes a long way to keeping children safe," Joseph Stampe, board president, said.

While students do not have to refrain from bringing peanut products into the schools, the district is encouraging them to look for alternatives. Stampe and other board members said many students have been taking the new voluntary policy seriously, and have been enjoying packing something other than peanut butter and jelly for lunch to ensure the safety of their class- mates.

Superintendent of Schools Dick Fitzpatrick said that there are a growing number of children affected by food allergies. He said the state passed legislation in 2007 requiring the New Jersey Commissioner of Education to develop "Guidelines for the Management of Life-threatening Food Allergies in Schools."

"This publication provides direction to schools relative to the development of policies and the creation of safe school environments for students with severe food allergies," Fitzpatrick said. "Each district must establish 'consistent, systematic policies and practices that will offer students a safe and healthy learning environment.'"

The Upper Freehold Regional School District has enrolled students with lifethreatening food allergies in the past few years and had a legal and moral requirement to develop a food allergy policy, Fitzpatrick said.

"Everyone has to be supportive," Fitzpatrick said. "We can't deny children their rights."

The district's 10-page food allergy policy was created after the district's nursing staff and physicians assessed the overall health needs of the pupil population at risk for anaphylaxis, particularly for pupils with food allergies. The district also assessed relevant policies regarding caring for pupils with these types of allergies in its policy development.

The policy states that the district will work to make its cafeterias as safe as possible for food-allergic pupils. The district has trained its food service personnel on food label reading and safe handling, as well as safe meal substitutions for food-allergic children. The district has also provided training relative to signs of allergic reactions in children.

Each school building has developed and implemented standard procedures for cleaning tables, chairs, and trays to prevent cross contamination. The schools have also made allergen-safe tables an available option for allergic pupils.

Fitzpatrick said that Chartwells, the school district's food provider, would refrain from using peanuts in all foods served at the elementary/middle school this school year. In grades pre-K-8, the staff monitors students' assigned tables and general eating areas for the presence of foods to which children have life-threatening allergies.

While peanuts may be used in foods available at Allentown High School, high school students with food allergies can notify the cafeteria to add that information to their Fast Lane ID cards so that a warning will appear on the cashier's computer screen to make a quick review of items on the student's tray before purchase.

The district encourages pupils to wash before and after eating and discourages pupils from sharing foods. Food-allergy policies have also been put into place for field trips, school functions and bus transportation.

School administration and nurses have also taken steps toward educating the schools about possible sensitivities and bullying food-allergic pupils may experience and how students and staff should conduct themselves in response to these potential issues.

Finally, the policy defines the school's pupil's and families' roles in helping to reduce the risk of accidental exposure of food-allergic pupils to certain foods.

The policy, which the district will review annually, can be read in full at www.ufrsd.net.

The website also offers tips on how to read product labels and a list of peanut free snacks.

Those with questions regarding the policy, can call the school principals or nurses to get more information.

"As always we greatly appreciate your effort to respond to the needs of all of our children so that each and every child can attend school in a safe and healthy environment," Fitzpatrick said.