Nutrition Allergy Guidelines
Nutrition Allergy Guidelines
General Overview & Online Tools
All Salem School Nutrition staff are Serv-Safe certified and receive training on proper food handling and service to students with allergies. Our online menus feature an Allergens screening tool that allows families to identify items containing specific ingredients, including fish, sesame, eggs, soy, milk, and wheat (gluten). To use the screening tool, click on the word “Allergens” on the top left side of the menu screen, then check off which allergen you want screened out of the menu.
Our procedures break allergies down into three categories based on required documentation.
Category 1: Standard Allergy Notification
Participation in the school meals program for students with the following allergies requires simple notification to the school nurse and food service staff. No special paperwork is needed. Food service staff ensure cross-contact prevention at the elementary level, while middle and high school students (or an aide) must inform their server at the time of service.
Tree Nuts & Peanuts
The School Nutrition program at the Elementary level is strictly nut-free and peanut-free. Across all grade levels, kitchens do not handle any nut or peanut products, and all prepared meals are completely nut- and peanut-free. In the middle and high schools, the only nut or peanut items offered are pre-packaged (such as Uncrustables or commercial snacks) that arrive fully sealed and are never opened by staff to prevent cross-contact. Students purchasing packaged snacks are responsible for checking labels.
Shellfish
All school food service programs across all grade levels are entirely shellfish-free.
Fish
Caesar dressing contains fish and is regularly served at all levels, while tuna is also served regularly at the middle and high schools. Additional fish-containing menu items can be identified using the online screening tool.
Sesame
Sesame use is infrequent across all grade levels. Specific items containing sesame can be identified using the online screening tool and/or by asking the server.
Fruits & Vegetables (Up to 3 Types)
Fruits and vegetables are clearly identified in menu titles, online descriptions, and service line labels. The online screening tool does not screen for these allergies.
Category 2: Medical Form Required (USDA Compliance)
Participation in the school meals program for students with the following allergies requires a Special Dietary form completed by a medical professional to ensure USDA compliance. The form can be found on the Allergens page of the school website, in the Food Allergies Action Plan that is part of the online registration packet, or by request to the School Nurse or School Nutrition office. School Nutrition staff will work directly with families to develop customized menus, procedures, and ordering plans.
Eggs
Whole egg items are explicitly named on the menu, while baked-in or hidden egg ingredients can be identified using the online screening tool.
Soybeans
Soy ingredients (Soybeans, Soybean Oil, and Soy Lecithin) are tracked individually on the online screening tool to help manage specific sensitivities.
Milk (Cooked or Baked)
Products containing milk ingredients can be identified using the online screening tool.
Wheat (Gluten)
While many sides and some grab-and-go entrees (such as salads and yogurts) are naturally gluten-free, most standard entrees contain wheat. Certified gluten-free substitutions (chicken tenders, bread, pasta, rolls) are available but require pre-ordering. Elementary students pre-order daily in the morning with their teacher. Middle and high school pre-orders must be emailed to Jacquelyn.hazel@sau57.org by 8:30 AM on the day of service or up to a week in advance.
View gluten-free menus for each grade level...
Multiple Allergies, Medically Necessary Diets, & Other Allergies
Complex diets (such as PKU, Ketogenic, and Modified Texture Diets) require medical documentation to build a customized plan. Food allergies not listed in these guidelines are evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the school nurse and School Nutrition department.
Category 3: Special Requests & Dietary Preferences
Fluid Milk Alternatives
Requests for non-dairy fluid milk alternatives do not require medical documentation but require a Special Dietary form completed by a parent. Nut- or soy-based beverages are served pre-packaged to prevent cross-contact. Lactose free milk can also be made available. Requests based strictly on brand or flavor preferences will not be accepted.
Vegetarian
Multiple natural vegetarian options are available at all grade levels. Elementary vegetarian items are designated on online menus with a green "v" symbol.
Vegan & Religion-Based Diets
Vegan, Kosher, and Halal meals are not offered, as they are not recognized by USDA guidelines or accommodated within current service capabilities.