No More Peanuts on Planes? - 399
Friday, June 11, 2010 at 4:11PM
Photo by EuroMagicFor years peanuts have been a standard snack offering on commercial flights, but the AP reported today that federal regulators are considering a restriction or ban on the legume. The U.S. Department of Transportation is currently gathering facts and figures from those who suffer from peanut allergies, which includes an estimated 1.8 million Americans, as well as from medical experts, the food industry and the general public.
Along with a complete ban other restrictions being considered include banning only when requested by a passenger in advance or creating “peanut-free zones” during flights. Some airlines have already stopped serving peanuts on flights including Continental, United, US Airways and JetBlue. However, the snack is still served on Delta and Southwest, and American serves mixes that contain peanuts.
There are two sides to this story, of course. If passed, the decision would be a relief to the many people who suffer from peanut allergies and experience reactions when peanut dust enters the air in enclosed spaces. Some of these individuals avoid flying all together due to fear that necessary medical care would not be available should a allergic reaction occur in the air.
On the other hand, peanut growers are not happy with the potential changes. The idea is especially unpopular in Georgia which is the top producer of peanuts in the U.S.
Regardless of the final decision, the issue does elicit more questions, or one might say –opens a can of worms. If peanuts are banned on planes, why not in all public spaces? If airlines are banned from serving peanuts, how will flight attendants deal with other passengers bringing peanuts onto the plane?
Only time will tell if peanuts will remain in air and how it will influence their availability elsewhere.
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