Families with children who have food allergies have more to fear on Halloween than just ghosts and vampires. Exposure risk increases this time of year with six of the eight major allergens in high circulation.
Eggs, milk, soy and wheat are found in most chocolates, caramels and gummies, while a majority of candies run the risk of cross-contamination with peanuts and tree nuts during their processing.
Dodging the danger can understandably be a haunting task. However, if you are a parent of a child with food allergies, there are practical precautions to ensure Halloween is enjoyable for the whole family just by thinking S.A.F.E.:
Scan all food labels
This may sound like a no-brainer, but when it comes to ingredients not all candies are created equal. There can be a significant difference between a king-size and mini-size candy bar of the same name. This is because they are often packaged at different facilities. If the item does not contain an ingredient label, look it up online.Avoid homemade treats and items whose ingredients are not made available.
Anticipate the dangers
Include your child in age-appropriate conversation regarding ground rules. For younger kids, perhaps a standing rule that a designated adult will hold the collection container between houses and give permission prior to eating any candy while trick-or-treating. For older children with more independence, discuss an emergency plan should accidental exposure occur and ensure they know and understand the importance of reading the ingredients label even if traditionally the food has been deemed“safe to eat.”
Focus on other activities
This is a good idea for all of us. Halloween is an interlude to the fall season and its traditions.Highlighting some of these in your own household will take some of the attention away from the influx of potential allergens and added sugar. Try pumpkin carving, costume designs and contests, participating in scavenger hunts and corn mazes, themed crafts and games, and creating snacks and treats with healthy/safe food alternatives.
Enlist help
Knowing your resources will help you feel more supported. Talk with your family, close friends, neighbors, schoolteachers, coaches, etc., to ensure they are aware of your child’s allergies and emergency care plan. In addition, consider employing some clever ideas such as the “Switch Witch” or “Treat Fairy.” This helper switches out or trades candy deemed unsafe for items like a desired toy or planned activity.
Another option is to cash in on those treats through a local dentist office candy “buy back” program, which generally pays $1 per pound.
Lastly, take advantage of the Food Allergy Research & Education program the Teal Pumpkin Project. The project began in 2014 to promote awareness and inclusion of those children with food allergies. The teal pumpkin represents a stop on the map where nonedible treats will be made available,such as small toys. Visit the website to register as a participant or locate participating houses in your area.
Learn more
Teal Pumpkin Project: foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project
Kids With Food Allergies, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, provides allergen-free recipes, research news and tips for living with allergies at kidswithfoodallergies.org.