For many kids, the best part of Halloween comes at the end of the night, when they get to empty their trick-or-treat bags and see how much halloween candy they’ve collected.
But before everyone starts digging in, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check those treats.
From choking hazards and food allergies to accidentally consuming products that aren’t meant for children, there are several things parents should keep in mind. Here are a few Halloween candy safety tips to help Colorado families enjoy the holiday safely.
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Check Halloween Candy Before Eating
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents inspect their children’s Halloween candy before allowing them to eat it.
While candy tampering is rare, it’s still a good idea to look through everything your child brings home.
A few things to watch for include:
- Candy with torn, damaged, or partially opened wrappers.
- Packaging with unusual holes, discoloration, or other signs of tampering.
- Unwrapped candy or homemade treats from unfamiliar sources.
- Treats that look or smell unusual.
The FDA also recommends giving children a snack or meal before trick-or-treating so they’re less tempted to eat candy before an adult has checked it.
Source: FDA – Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents
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Watch for Choking Hazards, Especially With Younger Children
Not every Halloween treat is appropriate for every age.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies and toddlers should avoid foods such as hard candies, gum, popcorn, gummy candy, and whole nuts because of the risk of choking.
Even small toys, candy wrappers, and other items found in trick-or-treat bags can pose a hazard.
Parents of younger children should sort through their candy and remove anything that isn’t age-appropriate. It’s also best to have children sit down while enjoying treats rather than eating while walking or running.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics – Halloween Safety Tips
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Check Labels for Food Allergies
Halloween can be especially challenging for families managing food allergies.
Popular candies may contain ingredients such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, eggs, or wheat. Even familiar candy brands may have different ingredients or manufacturing processes for their miniature or seasonal versions.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading ingredient labels carefully and avoiding treats when the ingredients cannot be confirmed.
If your child has a food allergy, consider bringing a few safe treats along or exchanging candy they cannot eat for something they can enjoy.
Families handing out candy can also consider offering non-food treats, such as stickers, glow sticks, or small toys, to help make Halloween more inclusive.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics – Avoid a Food Allergy Scare on Halloween
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Be Aware of Cannabis Edibles That Resemble Candy
In Colorado, where recreational cannabis is legal for adults, there’s another safety concern parents should understand: cannabis edibles that resemble ordinary candy or snacks.
Edible cannabis products can come in the form of gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and other treats. Some products look similar to familiar foods, making them particularly appealing to young children.
According to Children’s Hospital Colorado, accidental consumption of cannabis edibles can cause serious symptoms in children, including extreme sleepiness, loss of coordination, and difficulty breathing. Some children may require hospitalization.
This doesn’t mean parents should assume cannabis products are being distributed to trick-or-treaters. The greater concern is accidental exposure when children encounter edibles in homes or other places where cannabis products are present.
To help prevent accidental ingestion:
- Keep all cannabis products securely stored and out of children’s reach.
- Store edibles in their original child-resistant packaging.
- Never store cannabis products alongside regular candy or snacks.
- Talk with children about never eating unfamiliar candy or food without checking with an adult.
If you suspect your child has consumed a cannabis edible, contact the Colorado Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance, even if symptoms haven’t appeared. If your child is having difficulty breathing, cannot be awakened, or is experiencing another serious medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Enjoy Halloween Treats Safely
Once you’ve checked the candy, it’s time to enjoy the treats!
Consider setting aside a few favorites for Halloween night and saving the rest for the following days. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends establishing realistic, consistent expectations around candy so children can enjoy the holiday without overdoing it.
Halloween should be fun, and a little preparation can help keep it that way.
At LS Injury Law, we’re committed to helping Colorado families stay informed and safe throughout the year. Whether you’re trick-or-treating in your neighborhood or celebrating at home, we wish you a happy and safe Halloween!
From all of us at LS Injury Law, have a safe and happy Halloween!