Compliance Bulletin

October 2026

Preventable Allergy Incidents Resulting in Urgent Medical Treatment

The Education and Care Regulatory Unit (ECRU) recently received six notifications within a 24-hour period involving children being exposed to known allergens, with three children requiring urgent medical care. This follows a concerning number of similar incidents being reported across the sector.

Despite ongoing guidance and regulatory advice, ECRU continues to receive notifications where children have been provided with foods containing allergens that were clearly identified in enrolment records, medical management plans and service documentation.

These Incidents Are Preventable

The consequences can be severe. Children have required urgent medical treatment and hospitalisation following exposure to known allergens. Of particular concern is the number of incidents involving children under three years of age, who may be unable to recognise or communicate the early signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Approved providers, nominated supervisors, educators and all staff have a legal obligation to take every reasonable precaution to protect children from harm and hazards likely to cause injury. Effective allergy management requires more than policies and documentation. Services must have robust systems in place and ensure they are consistently implemented by all staff.

Immediate Actions for Services

ECRU urges all services to immediately review:

• Allergy management and anaphylaxis policies and procedures
• Enrolment and health information processes
• Medical management and risk minimisation plans
• Food preparation, labelling and serving practices
• Communication systems between educators, cooks, relief staff and volunteers
• Staff induction, supervision and training arrangements
• Procedures for identifying and verifying children's dietary requirements before food is provided

Services should critically assess whether their current systems are effectively protecting children with diagnosed allergies and whether required controls are being consistently applied in practice.

Guidance and Resources

Further guidance is available through the Food Allergy Training Hub, including the Meal Sign-Off Form for Allergies and Special Dietary Needs.

Regulatory Expectations

ECRU wishes to make it clear that incidents involving children being provided with known allergens will be subject to close regulatory scrutiny.

Where services fail to meet their obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations, ECRU will take regulatory action as appropriate, including the use of compliance and enforcement powers available under the legislation.

The continued occurrence of these incidents demonstrates that some services are not adequately managing known allergy risks. Providers must take immediate action to strengthen systems and practices to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children.

Providing a known allergen to a child is not a minor administrative error. It can result in serious injury, life-threatening anaphylaxis or death.

ECRU Message to the Sector

The safety of children is paramount. ECRU expects all services to review their allergy management practices immediately and take corrective action without delay where deficiencies are identified