Nut Allergies

1. We do not use nut oils or nut products in our kitchen. However, there are certain products which “may contain traces of nuts”. Any product marked in this way is not given to any person we are made aware of who has an allergy to nuts or is classed ‘no nuts’.
2. We do not use sesame seeds or sesame oils. However, there are certain products which “may contain traces of sesame”. Any product marked in this way is not given to any person we are made aware of who has an allergy to sesame or is classed ‘no sesame’. The chateau uses sunflower oil as well as olive oil in food preparation.
3. All pre-prepared foods are vetted by our kitchen staff to check that they do not contain any form of nuts.
4. We find that there is usually at least one nut allergic child visiting the chateau per week. A list of dietary requirements is given to the kitchen. All staff in the kitchen are aware of the dietary forms and the details on them. Dietary information is translated so is available to all staff in English and in French.
5. The procedures of serving those first with special dietary is adhered to at all mealtimes. The animateurs who assist in serving in the dining halls are also aware of the dietary forms and are used to checking these and indeed if there are special meals prepared.  Salad dressings are always kept apart to add to dishes if required. 
6. The bakery has informed the chateau there may be traces of nuts in the chocolate filling of the pain au chocolat and the croissants may be contaminated as they are prepared in the same location. Nut allergy clients are given alternatives. All pupils have a choice of bread, pain au lait or brioche, a selection of cereals (cornflakes, rice crispies etc), butter, jam, yoghurts, fruit.
7. The bread is supplied from a local bakery. The chateau orders baguettes, larger breadsticks and loaves - our suppliers have told us that there is no risk of contamination via nuts or seeds.
8. We supply butter for all meals, individually wrapped & these can be used or not.  For sandwiches re: picnics on the excursions & departure day, we usually use margarine but we can make the sandwiches without if required.
9. Our packed lunches consist of a choice of fillings in 1/3 of a baguette with ham or cheese with or without butter. Salad is optional and no dressing is added. There is also tuna mayonnaise as a sandwich choice.  We supply plain crisps, fruit and individually wrapped biscuits or cake. 
10. We do supply soap in dispensers. There is no mention of nut oils in the ingredients however in preference, severely allergic pupils should bring their own soap.
11. We do not encourage anyone to feed our parrot as his food can contain allergens. Moreover, the farm animal food and pony feed may contain seed or nut products, so severely allergic pupils should not participate in our animal feeding activities.
12. During all activities, any child who requires an EpiPen should carry it at all times during the day. If the pupils EpiPen is carried by a teacher, we insist that the teacher remains with the group at all times. The teacher is responsible for administering the EpiPen if necessary - our staff are not formally trained to use EpiPens but have a basic knowledge of the use of the appliance and of symptoms of anaphylactic shock.
13. The nearest hospital is in Avranches, which is approximately 15 minutes away.

Centre Hospitalier Avranches - Granville

ADRESSE: 59, rue de la Liberté - 50300 AVRANCHES
TÉLÉPHONE: + 33 2 33 89 40 00 - FAX : + 33 2 33 91 50 01
COURRIEL: direction@ch-avranches-granville.fr

I hope this clarifies all your questions in full - naturally we welcome all pupils at the chateau and do our best in relation to all allergies and dietary requirements. However, we cannot eliminate all traces of nuts as we have walnut trees on our property in the vicinity of our camp fire. Also children may bring snacks and sweets which other pupils may have contact with. The chateau no longer has its own tuck shop.

Any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Château Management Team