Socio-cultural Issues of Allergens in Foods Served in School Canteens, in Prague, the Capital City of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Allergies to a certain food are most likely to occur in children under six years of age; however, they can develop later, even into adulthood. Ironically, the most common allergens in older children and adults are the foods that we consider to be healthy or even necessary, such as nuts, cheese, fish, poppy seeds, or aromatic fruit and vegetables [1]. A food allergy is an oversensitive reaction by the organism to a food or foods, where the body may exhibit one or more symptoms from a relatively wide range of symptoms. It affects 2-3% of people, and in infants and children up to three years of age it affects upwards of 5-8% (with some sources saying more than 10%). Food allergies cause an adverse reaction to a food and involve a conditional response by the immune system. This definition is important because there is also the possibility of adverse reactions to foods that may be caused by something other than the immune system (e.g., lactose intolerance or irritation when digesting certain foods, such as coffee or ripened cheeses). An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to common substances, allergens, to which it often comes into contact. School canteens should strive to offer a varied and balanced diet, especially to our children, so that they get everything necessary to support their successful development and overall health. The composition of the menus should include the recommended amounts set to fulfill the daily requirement of essential nutrients. Activities of school canteens in the Czech Republic are governed by Act no. 561/2004 Coll., on preschool, primary, secondary, vocational and other training, in particular the provisions of § 119, section 11, with the relevant implementing rules and regulations [3].