AAP News Vol. 15 No. 2 February 1999, p. 20
© 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Peanut-free or peanut-smart? Allergy education vital in schools

Wesley Burks M.D., FAAP and Lani Wheeler M.D., FAAP

The Department of Transportation's (DOT) recent ruling concerning a peanut-free buffer zone in airplanes has resulted in more than 300 stories in the press in the past four months. Additionally, school professionals increasingly are being asked to ban peanuts and peanut-containing products. Many pediatricians are beginning to ask questions about why peanuts and why now all the fuss.

The original DOT ruling stated any family who requested could have a "peanut-free zone" on any airline segment. This zone included three seats in front and three seats in back of the row the passenger was sitting. Soon after, because of public, lobbyist and congressional outcry, a bill was passed in Congress that made the DOT ruling ineffectual. Currently, the airlines are working with passengers on an individual basis.