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McMinn County Schools Enact No Peanut Ban

1,582 views · Published 22 August 2012 · 2:22 · Indexed 27 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by Alyssa Spirato A lunchtime favorite for some kids can be deadly for others.That's why some schools including Athens Middle School, are banning peanuts all together to make sure those with serious allergies are safe.Take a step inside Athens City Middle School, and you can see the message is loud and clear. A peanut free zone,  meant for one student with what Principal Mike Simmons calls a "deathly peanut allergy". It's something Simmons says is warranted to make sure all students are protected."Of course banning the peanuts in this situation came from the recommendation. We sought medical advice from doctors, what would be the best way to serve this child," says Simmons.Along with many others in McMinn County with the same condition."The thing that we have going for us I guess, in some ways is that a lot of these parents have been used to that since this child has been in our system for awhile," says Simmons.It's a move that's commended by area Pediatricians like Saji Gopinathan."It's not that common, but the problem here is if you are really allergic to peanuts, it can lead to an anaphylaxis reaction, and you could lose your life," says Gopinathan.Dr. Gopinathan says even though he only sees around 10 to15 patients with peanut reactions, the reactions are severe. He says the school is taking a step in the right direction."So if there is an increase in incidents in that population, then I think it's a good idea to do this," says Gopinathan.And while many parents agree, others don't support a ban that affects just one student."Kids are going to be kids. So, who is to say that you know, one child is not going to hand my child that was allergic something they didn't know that was something they weren't suppose to have," says Kimberly Montooth."I think the parents should inform the teachers and the staff that there is a problem related to that," says Pat Pickel.Pri

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