School represents an optimal place for the dissemination of knowledge regarding food safety, food allergens and food waste reduction. Indeed, in the contemporary context of education, these topics have assumed increasing significance, particularly with respect to younger people. Approximately 8% of children worldwide are affected by food allergies, and the prevalence of this condition varies according to the specific food group. Another important topic is represented by the reduction of food waste, to promote a more sustainable and responsible behaviour towards natural resources and the environment. In this context, consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of food waste for ethical reasons, and thanks to awareness campaigns and plans of action, like UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Besides, food safety and food waste are strongly related, as by proper storage and handling management of food, consumers can directly reduce food waste by preventing spoilage and contamination. Nowadays, many school subjects teach about food safety, allergens, waste reduction and nutrition, because school have a relevant role in educating students as future consumers. To illustrate these topics in an inclusive and accessible way, a series of educational games was developed by our teamwork. These educational games were aimed to promote knowledge and behavioural change among schoolchildren and were distributed in middle and primary schools, as well as during educational events for students and adolescents. “Food Game”, is a board game inspired by "The Game of the Goose". It is characterized by a spiral path in a supermarket, with 40 numbered squares. Players have to answer to 120 multiple choice questions on food safety, food allergens and food labels, in order to arrive first at the checkout, as a well-trained consumer. “Microbial Cluedo” is a mystery game designed to teach about microbial contamination and hygiene practices; in this game players try to understand the microorganism responsible for food-borne diseases based on the food, symptoms, incubation period and site (public canteen, home kitchen and restaurant). At the end of the game, participants receive advice on the correct preparation and handling of food to avoid the growth of microorganisms. “Guess the protein” is inspired on “Guess Who?” game and aims to introduce alternative protein sources. Each character was a stylised and humanised alternative protein food, distinguished into tofu, tempeh, snails, seaweed, insects, vegetable burger and legumes. Players had to ask questions to their opponent about the physical characteristics of the characters, such as eyes or hair colours or about clothes. Through play, complex scientific concepts are translated into interactive and memorable learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration and curiosity. Preliminary feedback from these pilot sessions with students, educators and teachers indicates increased engagement and better retention of the fundamentals of food safety, allergens, waste reduction and nutrition.

Acknowledgement:
These projects highlight the potential of play-based learning in science education and propose a model for the integration of playful methods in formal and informal educational settings. Project funded by Italian Ministry of Health IZSPLV04/22RC; CUPJ19I22001130001

Keywords: Education, play, allergens.