A Historical Verification of Hygiene Management and Food Allergy Management of School Lunches in Japan

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine a historical verification of hygiene management and food allergy management of school lunches in Japan.

Methods: We investigated the trend of past food poisoning from school lunches. We also examined each of the Standards of Hygiene Control of School Lunches. Furthermore, we investigated the historical backgrounds of standards related to hygiene management of school lunches, and showed changes in such standards up to the present. Regarding food allergies, we compiled data on current efforts by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Results: Prompted by the first food poisoning fatalities caused by school lunches, the then Ministry of Education (currently MEXT) issued the Standards of Hygiene Control of School Lunches ("Old Standards") as a notice in 1997. Subsequently, the "School Lunch Act" was largely revised and came into force on April 1, 2009, to work out an appropriate implementation of hygiene management. Under this revision, Article 9 of the School Lunch Act set the Standards of Hygiene Control of School Lunches according to a standard stipulated by MEXT ("New Standards"). Currently, each board of education in each territory is preparing and improving the manuals under the food allergy guidelines at school lunches.

Conclusions: For measures against both food poisoning and food allergies, it is important to decrease human errors as well as to educate people.