HF 3424 - Food Allergen Policy

• Defines nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame.

• Requires Minnesota Commissioner of Education to adopt a model policy for schools to reduce anaphylactic allergen exposure in classrooms and common areas.

• School districts and charter schools must adopt either the commissioner's model policy or an alternative policy meeting specified requirements, and post it on their website.

• Model policy must include designated food-free areas, allergen-free cafeteria tables for affected students, hand washing guidelines, food disclosure procedures, and strategies to prevent bullying of students with anaphylactic allergies.

• School principals must monitor and implement strategies to reduce allergen exposure and ensure district policies are followed for enrolled students with identified anaphylactic allergies; effective July 1, 2024.