I'm suprised that there are centres out there that don't take it seriously! Surely the risk of legal ramifications would make them sit up and take notice, if nothing else.

Our centre has quite a few children who are anathelatic (Sp?) including one of DS's little buddies. He is allergic to nuts and eggs and doesn't tolerate dairy well. The centre is completely nut and egg free, and I think also free of some of the other big ones like strawberries. He's been there for 2 years and according to his mum they've never had a problem. In fact the centre even went through a process a year or so ago of sending home nappy creams and specifying which ones were appropriate because many actually contain traces of nut oils - to me that is taking it seriously.

They have strict rules about not letting any outside food be brought on the premises and IMO do a great job of protecting the children with allergies. I think if you look around enough and talk to enough centre directors you will find one that you can trust.

On a side note, it makes me furious how other parents don't take allergies seriously. I can't tell you how many times we've been at play centres and the like that have a 'no outside food' rule and I've seen parents give their little ones crackers/snacks from home that get taken into the play area and innevitably left lying around for the next child to pick up.