AI Article Synopsis
- The public health services in Barcelona implemented an intervention from 2013-2015 to improve allergen management in school food services through the development of allergen control plans (ACP) and preventive measures.
- A structured questionnaire was used to assess 117 schools, measuring the implementation of 17 specific allergen management measures, resulting in a food safety score for each school.
- The study found significant improvements in allergen management, with a 49% increase in schools having an ACP and notable progress among smaller and low-income district schools, highlighting the need to address socio-economic inequalities in allergen management.
Article Abstract
Background: An intervention to promote the development of an allergen control plan (ACP) and preventive measures for the management of allergens in school food services was implemented in all schools of Barcelona city over a three-year period (2013-2015) by the public health services. The present study aimed to assess changes regarding the management of food allergens in school food services in Barcelona after an intervention conducted by the public health services of the city.
Methods: School meal operators of a random sample of 117 schools were assessed before and after the intervention using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected general information on the students and their demand for special menus, and included 17 closed questions regarding the implementation of specific preventive measures for the management of allergens. Based on these 17 questions, a food safety score was calculated for each school. The improvement in these scores was evaluated.
Results: The results showed positive increments in the percentage of implementation of 12 of the 17 preventive measures assessed. The percentage of school food services with an implemented ACP increased by 49%. Schools with external and internal food supplies increased their scores by 16.5% and 19.6%, respectively. The greatest improvements were observed in smaller food services and in schools located in districts with low gross household incomes.
Conclusions: The intervention was effective in improving school food services' management of allergens and in reducing the differences found among food services in the pre-intervention survey. We must also focus efforts on reducing socio-economic inequalities linked to the management of allergens.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2017.11.002 | DOI Listing |
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