Safe Trick or Treats

On Halloween, every child gets to be a "kid in a candy store." For those providing the candy, it is an occasion to bring smiles to small faces. However, it is possible to spread the joy while still ensuring the safety of trick-or-treaters. Here are some safety tips for Halloween treats.

Think Outside the Candy Box

Fun treats can extend beyond the candy variety. Sports or cartoon cards, stickers, cool pencils and other non-cavity-causing treats are a wonderful option to consider this Halloween. Support parents in their fight against Halloween candy overdose, cavities and poor nutrition. (And remember, the less leftover candy in your cupboard, the less temptation for you!)

Practice Halloween Health-Consciousness

There are many delicious treats that children can enjoy that are not filled with sugar and fat. Many stores sell healthy treats in Halloween wrapping. Make sure that all items are pre-packaged.

Here are some healthy alternatives to candy:

Weigh the Choking Risks

Size and consistency are elements to consider when purchasing Halloween candy. Candies that are small, but large enough to get lodged in a child's throat, such as gumballs or bite-size candy bars, are options to avoid. Candies that are difficult to chew, such as taffy and hard caramels, are choking risks, as are hard candies that don't dissolve easily. Remember to be age-conscious.

Be Allergy Aware!

There are many children who are allergic to nuts. You may believe that avoiding candy that has nuts will keep kids safe. Unfortunately, many candy factories manufacture nut-free candy in the same facility as candy that has nuts. As little as .00002 of a peanut kernel can trigger a reation in a person with a severe peanut allergy. Non-chocolate treats are usually safer as they are most often produced in a nut-free environment.

Here are some popular non-chocolate choices:

If you want to consider chocolate for trick-or-treaters, check the allergy information on the label for every package. Manufacturers alter ingredients and processes often. Therefore, ensuring the safety of one package does not ensure the safety of the next. Allergy information is located after the list of ingredients. Look for phrases like:

• "Made in a facility that also processes peanuts, almonds and tree nuts."
  
  
• "May contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, etc."
  
  
• "Manufactured on equipment that also manufactures peanuts,tree nuts, etc."

Remember, you must still check the allergy information to be completely safe, but here are a few brands that have safer manufacturing processes:

If you follow these safety tips, the neighborhood children are guaranteed to have a happy Halloween.

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