As Halloween draws near, FoodSafety.gov is gearing up to ensure that families and candy enthusiasts prioritize safety during trick-or-treating and home celebrations.
While Halloween is all about spooky fun and sweet treats, it can also bring about food safety concerns, particularly regarding the handling and consumption of candy and homemade goodies.
To promote a safe Halloween experience, FoodSafety.gov has shared helpful tips in an article titled “Halloween Treats: Better Safe Than Scary.”
One key piece of advice is to always examine the seals and wrappers on Halloween treats. Parents should instruct children to reject anything that isn’t commercially packaged and to look out for signs of tampering, such as strange appearances or tears in the wrappers.
Once kids return home from trick-or-treating, parents must inspect all candy and snacks carefully. Discard any items with damaged wrappers or anything that looks suspicious.
When it comes to homemade treats, caution is key. Parents should avoid giving these to their kids unless they’re from a trusted source, and checking ingredient labels for potential allergens is crucial.
“If your child has a food allergy, always read the labels to ensure the allergen is not present,” FoodSafety emphasizes.
It’s also wise for kids to refrain from snacking while out trick-or-treating. Instead, they should enjoy a light meal beforehand and wait until they get home to inspect their loot.
“Kids should avoid munching on candy from their bags until they’re back home,” the agency advises. “Inspect everything before letting them dig in.”
For those hosting Halloween parties, it’s important to keep perishable foods, like sandwiches, cheese platters, and salads, chilled until it’s time to serve. Do not leave these treats out for more than two hours (or one hour if it’s above 90°F).
Candy containing chocolate or other perishable items should be stored in a cool, dry place and can be refrigerated or frozen if necessary.
For younger children, make sure to remove any items that could be choking hazards, like hard candies or small toys. Always aim for age-appropriate treats.
When playing popular Halloween games like bobbing for apples, consider cleaning the apples thoroughly to cut down on bacteria, and only serve pasteurized juices or ciders to avoid harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.
If you’re serving hot foods, ensure that they’re cooked to the right internal temperature to eliminate any foodborne pathogens.
For further details and safety guidelines, check out FoodSafety.gov.