EAGLE GROVE, Iowa -- Iowa schools are taking more precautions to help keep students with food allergies safe, including banning peanuts.

Some districts like Eagle Grove are faced with a student like Nichole Jergens, 5, that has such a severe allergy to peanuts that contact with the nuts or just peanut dust in the air could cause a reaction.

That's why the district banned all peanut-related products from the lunch menus at their elementary and middle schools.

Students are also not allowed to bring peanuts or any product containing peanuts to lunch or as a snack.

"We don't want to seem excessive in what we're doing, but at the same time we're going to err on the side of caution, said Mike Kruger, Eagle Grove elementary school principal.

"All it takes is one person to bring a peanut butter sandwich or peanut butter cookie to school lay it on the table she comes over and even touches the table after they pick it up and we got a real problem," said Matt Jergens, Nichole's father.

Nichole's parents are working closely with the school to educate teachers, other students and parents so that their daughter and other students with food allergies stay safe.

"There is several other kids coming up in a couple years that have peanut allergies and are allergic to it. There are allergies with milk, egg and latex, latex is a big one too," said Janet Jergens, Nichole's mother.

Some parents told KCCI that they thought the restrictions are too severe, but school administrators said for now that they're doing whatever they can to ensure Nichole's safety.

"You know I understand their concerns and they're legitimate, some of their kids that's all they'll eat is peanut butter," said Kruger.

Nichole's parents hope that as others learn more about her condition that they'll understand why it's so important to be peanut free.

Nichole's parents understand that it's impossible to be 100-percent peanut free, but they appreciate the cooperation from teachers and staff as well as other students and parents.

Kruger said the school policy is a work in progress and as they learn more they may be able to ease up on some of the restrictions.