Halloween Food Safety Tips

The Halloween season is often synonymous with sweet and spooky treats. Halloween is a fun time for all who choose to celebrate, but don’t be tricked by unsafe food this Halloween. 

Whether you are trick or treating, hosting a party at your home, or celebrating with friends, there are a few things you can do to help mitigate the chance of suffering a serious injury or illness from food this Halloween. By using these four foolproof (ghoulproof) tips, you can help ensure a happy and healthy Halloween for all!

Prevent Choking by Checking for Hazards

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death and one of the leading causes of unintentional death for infants. According to government statistics, at least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the United States, and more than 12,000 children are taken to the emergency room each year for food-choking injuries. 

Prevent choking hazards by inspecting food and candy prior to serving to small children. If you have very young children, remove any gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys. Ensure your shield is sitting up properly while eating and keep meal-time free from distractions and rushing. 

Check for Food Allergies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 8% of children in the United States have food allergies. Milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts are some of the most common allergies and are also present in many candies and sweets. 

If you know your child has an allergy, use extra caution. Food allergy lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC recommend, “take the time to inspect treats with your children and help them understand what they can and cannot eat,” and continue, “because of home-baked treats as well as store bought ones, the danger [for an allergic reaction| increases.” 

Snack Smart

Parents and children alike should ensure they are properly fueled prior to trick or treating. Ensuring you are full before trick or treating helps reduce the temptation to snack on candy in the dark. Wait until you are home and have a chance to inspect treats prior to eating. A light meal or snack can help curb any candy craving while celebrating!

Inspect Treats 

Wait to indulge in your treats until you’ve arrived home and have had a chance to thoroughly examine your loot. Signs of treat tampering often include discoloration, spoiled or unwrapped items, pinholes, or tears in wrappers. 

Anything that isn’t commercially wrapped should be thrown out, just in case. While many are aware of the urban legends of tampered Halloween candy, using extra caution and safety are always encouraged! 

A Safe Holiday Season Starts with You

Leave spooky scares to movies and amusement parks, not your food! Prevent unwanted injuries and illnesses this Halloween season by using these four frighteningly helpful safety tips. By checking for hazards, checking food labels, snacking smart, and inspecting treats, you can help create a fun Halloween season for everyone involved.