Schools across Rhode Island must abide by a new law this coming school year to protect children with peanut allergies.

The law requires schools to post signs noting that if some students have a peanut or tree nut allergy, the schools must prohibit the sale of any food with nuts.

NBC 10’s Kelley McGee said the law also requires one classroom per grade and one table in the cafeteria to be peanut- and tree nut-free.

“This particular allergy is life-threatening,” said Rep. Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, D-Woonsocket. “You’re not telling these folks that they can not eat peanut butter. You’re just simply asking them to not eat peanut butter or peanut products in the presence of a child who has a peanut or nut allergy.”

The law was passed over the summer by the General Assembly.

“There are many students who have dairy allergies and we certainly would not want to go to the next step and eliminate milk from the lunch program,” said Rep. Joe Amaral, R-Tiverton/Portsmouth.

Amaral believes the law goes too far and that there are better ways to protect kids that don’t draw attention to their condition.

“I believe that there are HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) laws that are being violated by segregating kids because they have peanut allergies,” he said.

The state Department of Education is assisting schools with implementing the law.

“They need to know if they have a child in their school that has a peanut allergy,” said school health specialist Jackie Ascrizzi. “And most schools do know that because the school nurses review the records before school starts.”

McGee said both proponents and opponents of the law agree that the success of the initiative relies on the diligence of students and parents who have to make sure peanut products don’t show up where they are not supposed to be.

Source: TurnToTen.com, Providence, August 22, 2007 and the American Peanut Council Newsletter.