Busan Office of Education Creates Schools Safe from Food Allergies

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has rolled up its sleeves to create schools safe from food allergies.

Food allergies refer to the body's immune system overreacting to certain food ingredients when consumed, causing symptoms such as hives, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Since 2018, the Busan Office of Education has conducted an annual comprehensive survey of all students in the Busan area to analyze the "prevalence and trends of food allergies."

Based on the analysis results, starting in 2019, it implemented the nation’s first "School Meal Food Allergy Alternative Diet Operation Project" in five elementary schools, and last year expanded the project to 40 schools. This year, the target has been expanded to 48 elementary schools with a high number of students with food allergies.

Schools participating in the project provide alternative diets at least once a week to students showing symptoms of food allergies, substituting allergenic foods with foods that have similar nutrients and appearance.

The Office of Education produces and distributes materials such as the "School Meal Food Allergy Alternative Diet Operation Manual" and "Food Allergy Alternative Diet and Immunity-Boosting Recipes" to these schools.

Busan Office of Education.

Additionally, in April last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Kosin University Gospel Hospital and the Busan Atopy and Asthma Center to establish a cooperative system with related organizations for creating schools safe from food allergies.

This year, training sessions on food allergy management for nutrition teachers and a performance report meeting on the operation of food allergy alternative diets will be held to enhance the capacity of school meal food allergy management.

Furthermore, in May, a food allergy camp will be held in collaboration with specialized medical institutions for 200 elementary students with food allergies and their guardians. The camp will offer various experiential activities, including "Learning About Food Allergies" interactive sessions.

The Office of Education also operates a "Food Allergy Labeling System," which provides meal plans indicating allergenic foods so that students can avoid consuming them.

Kim Beom-gyu, Director of Character, Physical Education, and School Meals at the Busan Office of Education, said, "Certain food ingredients can seriously harm the health of students with food allergies. We will strive to provide balanced and healthy meals to students through the customized meal support program, 'Food Allergy Alternative Diet.'"