Dear Emma
This is a big problem, and one that is likely to get worse. My son, for example, if he goes to
university as he hopes, will need a gluten-free and wheat-free environment - not necessarily
the same thing. If he cannot get this he simply does not eat as he doesn't feel safe. If he
eats wheat his autism is magnified and he becomes exremely aggressive!
Another problem that is likely to hit the universities is allergy to nuts. There has been some
research published recently to say that it is increasing enormously among children - who are
our students of the future.
I personally, working as a member of staff, suffer from this allergy in a very severe form -
such that I experience severe effects if I am in a room with biscuits containing peanuts even
if I do not touch them - and if I eat anything containing nuts or nut oils I am extrememly ill
- and I am deeply ashamed to note that when I discussed the issue with our catering management
and Health and Safety Officers they said they were unable to guarantee a nut-free environment,
unable to guarantee that foods available on campus, which are all prepared by them, were not
cross-contaminated by peanuts, which are prepared in the same room, unable to change the
suppliers of their biscuits or their vegeatable oils, which contain both nuts and coconut,
because they are locked into a cartel with other universities in the SW and cannot choose where
to buy or exactly what products to buy. Their overall view was that "we are not required to do
this by law so long as we put the warning signs up saying "this product may contain nuts".
We are an out-of-town campus and there is nowhere else to eat; staff and students tend to eat
in the refectory daily.
I will be reporting this to the Anaphylaxis Campaign, a pressure group on severe allergies, and
hope they can raise the issue at a higher level.
As I understand the Act they cannot turn a student down on the basis that they have a
disability, such as this or wheat allergy, which will make it unsafe for them to attend, but
rather have to make reasonable adjustments? The same thing should apply to staff but apparently
doesn't... ;{
My point is that this is going to be an increasing problem. More and more people have allergic
responses and some of us have very severe ones which are counted as disabilities under the Act.
It is a problem which is not going to go away.
Evelyn Toseland
> Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 09:08:01 +0000
> From: "E.Coyne" <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: gluten free diets <fwd>
>
> Hello,
> I have had a query (see below) from a warden from a catered
> hall of residence. My gut response is to say that they need to
> provide a gluten-free diet but I would be interested to know
> whether it is provided at other Uni's as I may need some
> evidence to support our reccommendations.
> with kind regards
> Emma
>
> Emma,
>
> I have had an enquiry from a girl who has to have a
> gluten-free diet and would like catered accommodation,
> including breakfast. She can't simply go into a bar and buy
> food so she has to stock up in the morning. Our chef manager
> is obviously of the opinion that we can't manage, but what
> are we obliged to do? If we have to accommodate this girl we
> will have to make allowances? I understand she will be
> ringing me in the near future, and I'd like to say something
> helpful to her.
>
> Regards
>
> David Sands
>
> --- End Forwarded Message ---
>
>
> ----------------------
> Emma Coyne
> Disabilities Officer
> Disability Services
> University of Hull
> (01482)466833
> [log in to unmask]
>
>~<>~
Evelyn Toseland
Webmaster
Faculty of Applied Sciences
University of the West of England
Email: [log in to unmask]
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