FAQs for Free from Allergen Days

What’s Free from Allergen Days (FDA Days)?
FDA Days are special school lunch days where every meal, side and dessert is completely free from the 14 declarable allergens. These days ensure all pupils can enjoy lunch safely and inclusively.

Which allergens are avoided on FDA Days?
The 14 declarable allergens include:

• Celery
• Gluten-containing cereals (wheat, rye, barley, oats)
• Crustaceans (prawns, crabs, lobsters)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupin
• Milk
• Molluscs (mussels, oysters)
• Mustard
• Peanuts
• Sesame
• Soybeans
• Sulphur dioxide/sulphites (above 10ppm)
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts)

How can I tell which days are FDA Days?
FDA Days are clearly marked on school menus with a purple FDA sticker

What if my child has a packed lunch?
We encourage families to consider switching to school meals. This ensures your child benefits from freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals every day. Eligible pupils can also enjoy meals free of charge through the Free School Meals scheme. More here https://www.havering.gov.uk/schools-education/school-support

How does HES Catering support pupils with allergies all year round?
Since 2019, we have partnered with Kafoodle, a food technology platform that allows families and pupils to filter menus online based on allergens or dietary requirements. FDA days build on this by providing dedicated days where every child can eat safely at school.

Who can I contact for more information?
Please email: schoolcatering@havering.gov.uk