Air Canada told to offer nut-free seats

OTTAWA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The Canadian Transportation Agency has ordered Air Canada to create a buffer zone of nut-free seating to accommodate passengers with food allergies.

In documents released Thursday, the regulator gave the airline 30 days to conform or challenge the order, the Globe and Mail reported.

The ruling came as a result of two complaints from Air Canada passengers with nut allergies, the Globe said.

The carrier stopped serving peanuts years ago, but still offers almonds or cashews on some flights.

The regulator ruled out a complete ban of nuts as it would give "a false sense of security" to those with allergies as other passengers could easily bring their own nuts on board.

The CTA also noted those with allergies also had responsibilities to protect themselves and "must deal with the risk of exposure to allergens and take measures to mitigate allergic reactions."

An Air Canada spokesman told the Globe the airline was reviewing the ruling and hadn't yet determined a response.