To ask the Minister of Education to detail what consideration has been given to developing a comprehensive food allergy policy to cover all schools.

The Education Authority’s (EA) current policy for the management of food allergies in the provision of school meals is that following a child’s parents making a request for a special diet, the parents, school and the EA will work together to agree the arrangements for the child’s special diet provision, including allergen management. A means of identifying children on allergen diets is part of this process.

EA catering staff will identify any allergens contained in each dish on the menu in accordance with the Food Standards Agency recommended process. EA catering staff then use this information to ensure children with allergies do not receive foods containing potentially harmful allergens.

The EA Catering Service’s special diet management process is currently being reviewed with a view to making further improvements to the process of managing the provision of special diets for children and young people, including those with food allergies.

My officials have met with parents and organisations representing pupils with medical needs including allergies and are considering the information shared as part of the review of the departments current guidance, ‘Supporting pupils with Medication Needs’.