Why some schools are now allowing foods that were banned

Montreal's largest school board recently changed its policy on how to handle food allergies and will no longer ban the allergens outright. 

The decision by the city's largest school board, the Commission scolaire de Montréal, will likely spark discussion among parents who are concerned about student safety, CBC K-W The Morning Show's parenting columnist Tenille Bonoguore spoke about the issue with Craig Norris on Wednesday. 

"The board decided there would be consistent rules regarding lunch time instead of bans regarding lunch foods," Bonoguore explained. 

Instead of banning foods like peanuts or milk, students will be required to wash their hands before and after eating, and will not be allowed to share food or utensils. Teachers will monitor the students and pay special attention to students with allergies. 

Ontario doesn't have a provincial policy banning allergens in schools, however Sabrina's Law mandates that all schools have a plan to deal with severe anaphylaxis. However, many individual schools, including several in Waterloo Region District School Board choose to ban certain foods as a precaution. 

Some parents may worry that this puts vulnerable kids at risk, Bonoguore said, others may see it as a reasonable option. 

" It's how children with allergies are taught to manage life — wash your hands before and after (meals), don't share food, don't share utensils," she said. "It can teach kids how to safely dine together." 

Listen to the full interview below: