Allergies: How far do we need to go to protect people with allgeries? [View all]

[Bettie]

The post about the family on the plane suggested this, but I've wondered before.

Usually, all we hear about are peanut allergies, but I'm pretty sure that there are other allergies out there as well.

So, should public places be purged of all potential allergens?

Is it the responsibility of allergic individuals or their parents (if they are children) to deal with them?

Someplace in between?

How should restaurants handle this as cross-contamination is highly likely in a busy kitchen preparing many different dishes at one time?

Schools? Should all be peanut free? What about other allergens, should schools purge these from their menus as well? How about kids who bring their lunches from home? What kind of rules should be instituted?

Not an exhaustive list of thoughts, but I am honestly interested in finding out what people think should happen.

I'd also say, I have no food allergies, nor does anyone in my extended family. My husband and sons are allergic to penicillin, but that can be avoided easily, so I don't really have enough personal knowledge/experience to say what precautions should be taken overall.