Parents at Melbourne school asked not to pack watermelon and bananas in lunchboxes as allergies spiral out of control

Student allergies and the risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis has forced Melbourne’s Point Cook College to ask parents not to send watermelon and bananas in their children’s lunchboxes.

The school has written to parents asking them to avoid packing the popular fruits, as well as foods which include, soy, wheat, eggs, dairy, seafood and nuts.

“It’s a real allergy that can cause them some significant harm,” Principal Frank Vetere said.

“We’re not banning it, we just advise parents - because children can share food easily and we really want to avoid that and take proactive measures,” he said.

However experts at the Murdoch Children’s research institute say allergies to fruit are among the more rare and that allergic reactions could only develop if the produce is physically eaten.

“The main way you can get a severe allergic reaction is by eating the food, not but sitting  next to it or simply touching it. And allergy children are very good at making sure they know what they're eating,” researcher Katie Allen said.