Strategies for parents for a fun, not scary, holiday

Three jack-o-lanterns on a bale of hay. The jack-o-lanterns have faces carved into them and they are lit by candles. Smaller decorative gourds surround them.

Halloween can be lots of fun: a season full of costumes, candy and fun frights. But for children with food allergies and their parents, it can be a scary, difficult time.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), six of the top eight food allergens are present in many Halloween treats. Wheat, milk, soy and egg are ingredients in many chocolates, caramels and fruit chews. Candies are often made with or processed on the same equipment as peanuts and tree nuts, such as walnuts, almonds and cashews. Small amounts of these allergens can cause an anaphylactic or serious reaction in children who are allergic to them.

How can you make sure the only scares your kids have this Halloween are fun? First, start a conversation. AND recommends that parents talk to kids about strategies for when they are attending parties and trick-or-treating, including what to do if they think they are having an allergic reaction. Consider these tips for a safe, food allergen-free Halloween.

Read All Food Labels

This is good advice for all candy, but especially important for miniatures or snack sizes, which are sometimes processed in a different location than regular-sized candies. Since many individual bite-size candies don’t contain an ingredients list, look up the ingredients for specific products online to assure they are safe for your child. If a product is homemade or has no label, throw it out.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Neighbors may want to buy allergen-free candy, but don't know what to buy. Or they may not know that your child has a food allergy.  Share with them what to look for when purchasing candy, or even offer to provide them with “safe” candy that they can hand to your trick-or-treater.

Look for the Teal Pumpkins

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a campaign to raise awareness of food allergies and provide safe options for children with allergies. People pledge to put a teal pumpkin outside their homes, indicating they have safe, non-food treats available.

"Always Ask First" Rule

Carry candy for young children and remind all children not to share food and to ask you before eating anything. Sort all candy when they return home. Parents can also provide alternative foods for parties at childcare or school. If in doubt, throw it out, trade it or give it away.

Safe at School

If your child's classroom celebrates Halloween, take a role in preventing the risk of a serious allergic reaction. Talk to the teachers in advance, volunteer to organize the party or offer to bring the treats or non-food goodies. Plan to attend in person and double-check that your child's emergency action plan and epinephrine pens are up-to-date.

Trade or Donate

Plan with your child to swap any unsafe candy for another prize such as a safe candy, a book or small toy.

Start a New Tradition

Host a costume party at your house so you are in charge of treats. Or skip candy and offer trick-or-treaters a choice of non-candy items such as stickers, glow sticks, or bouncy balls.

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