Halloween, that magical time when ghouls, goblins and superheroes roam the streets, is not just about the chill of the night but also the thrill of the bite. As you navigate through cobwebbed corners of trick-or-treating or host a spine-chilling soiree, remember: Not all monsters lurk in the shadows — some might be hiding in your food. Keep your Halloween haunt-free by dodging those frightful foodborne fiends with these devilishly delightful safety tips.
Trick-or-treating
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without trick-or-treating, but before kids dive into their loot, there are a few safety measures to keep in mind.
No snacking on the go: Children are often tempted to snack on treats while they’re out gathering candy. However, it’s essential that parents encourage them to wait until they’re home, where adults can inspect the candy for safety. To avoid hunger-fueled snacking, consider giving your child a light meal or snack before they head out.
Inspect all treats: Once trick-or-treaters return home, take the time to inspect their candy. Make sure that all treats are commercially wrapped and throw away anything that looks suspicious —such as packages that are torn, discolored, or have pinholes. Be particularly vigilant about homemade items from strangers, as these may pose unknown risks.
Food allergies: For children with food allergies, Halloween can be tricky. Always check the labels of the treats your child collects to ensure they do not contain allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk or other allergens of concern for your child.
Watch for choking hazards: Parents of very young children should be especially mindful of candies that could pose choking hazards. Hard candies, gum, and small toys should be removed from their treat bags to avoid any risk.
Halloween party food safety
Hosting a Halloween party at home? Ensuring your spooky snacks are safe to eat is just as important as nailing the décor. Follow these food safety tips to keep the fun going without any scares.
Avoid raw dough: Whether you’re baking cookies, cakes, or other Halloween treats, it’s tempting to taste raw dough or batter. But remember, raw eggs and unbaked flour can harbor harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli. Wait until your baked goods are fully cooked before sampling.
Keep perishables chilled: If your party includes finger sandwiches, cheese platters or salads, be sure to keep them properly chilled. Perishable foods should not sit out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees F. When in doubt, refrigerate items until it’s time to serve.
Apple cider
Apple cider is a quintessential fall beverage, but consumers should be aware of potential risks. Unpasteurized apple cider, often sold at farmers’ markets, cider mills or health food stores, can contain harmful bacteria that pose a significant risk to children, the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Most commercial apple cider is pasteurized, which involves using heat to kill bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. However, unpasteurized cider may still be available and could cause serious illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires unpasteurized juice products to carry a warning label, but if you’re ever unsure whether a cider has been pasteurized, it’s best to either avoid it or boil it before drinking.
For families making their own apple cider at home, the FDA recommends washing hands and apples thoroughly before juicing, and ensuring that any bruised or damaged apples are discarded, as they are more likely to harbor harmful bacteria.
Keep pets safe too
Don’t forget about your furry friends during Halloween. Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, so be sure to keep any chocolatey treats out of their reach. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing and even seizures. If you suspect your pet has consumed chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
By following these simple food safety tips, you can ensure that Halloween remains a night of fun and excitement for your family.
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