On October 30, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), one of the major operating components of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, published “Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs.” The Guidelines, which were developed pursuant to the requirements of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act (FAAMA), 21 U.S.C.A. § 2205, seek to provide practical information and strategies for schools to reduce allergic reactions and respond to life-threatening reactions while reinforcing applicable federal laws and regulations. Although the CDC Guidelines are voluntary, school districts may be eligible for incentive grants to support their implementation.
For more information on the CDC Guidelines and to download a copy of them, please visit the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/foodallergies/publications.htm. Please note that the Guidelines do not address State and local laws or school district policies, nor are they a substitute for the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C.A. § 1400 et seq., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.A. § 794, or other laws and regulations that may be applicable to students with food allergies. Feel free to contact our office if your school district wishes to implement the CDC Guidelines or if you should have any questions.
Read about our Education Law Group
1125 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609.344.3161 800.529.3161
www.cooperlevenson.com
