Accommodating Special Dietary Needs
National Food Service Management InstituteThe University of Mississippi
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Objective 1
Be familiar with major legislation
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Prohibits discrimination against qualified handicapped persons in anyprogram or activity that receivesfederal financial assistance
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Defines handicap as “…a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities”
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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Ensures that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education
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Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in areas of employment, public services, public accommodations, transportation, and communication
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The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008
• Expanded the definition of a disability• Became effective January 1, 2009• New regulations for school foodservice have
not yet been issued by USDA
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Objective 2
Identify legal, food safety, and financial considerations related to
special needs
Other Legal Considerations
• Regulations• Guidance• State law• Case law• School policy and procedure• Documentation• Prescription/medical orders followed as written• Confidentiality
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Food Safety Considerations
• Follow principles of food safety when preparing special needs foods
• Maintain a separate area for allergenic foods
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Financial Considerations
• Special foods, supplements, consultations
• Equipment–may be funded through IDEA
• Medicaid (varies from state to state)
• Title 1
• PTA
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Objective 3
List required components of the diet prescription
Disability
• Accommodation must be made
• No extra charge to student
• Only a licensed physician can diagnose a disability
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Examples of Food Related Disabilities
• Diabetes
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Food anaphylaxis
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Statement for Children with Disabilities
• What the disability is• Major life activity or ADL affected• How it restricts the diet• Complete diet order – including texture
modifications• Foods to be omitted• Foods to be substituted
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Special Dietary Needs That Are NOT A Disability
• Food allergies (unless anaphylactic) and intolerances
• Accommodations may be made but are generally not required
• In many cases, can be accommodated through offer vs. serve or by providing additional choices
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Statement for Children Who Are NOT Disabled
• Signed by a recognized medical authority (physician, nurse, others specified by state agency)
• Identify the medical/dietary condition that restricts the child’s diet
• Foods to be omitted• Foods to be substituted
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Objective 4
Identify common dietary modifications
Common Menu Modifications
Texture Calories ground increased chopped decreased pureed
Consistency of Liquidsnectarhoney
pudding19
Food Allergy
• A reaction between a food protein and the body’s immune system
• Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening
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Most Common Allergenic Foods • Milk• Eggs• Fish• Crustacean shellfish• Soy• Wheat• Peanuts• Treenuts
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Anaphylaxis
A severe, life-threatening allergic response
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Objective 5
Describe effective and appropriate interaction with those with disabilities and their caregivers
