Food Allergy Friendly Halloween
Halloween is a fun filled day of costumes, creativity, and candy. Children of all ages and those who are kids at heart enjoy the last day in October by trick or treating, attending parties and parades, and enjoying delicious goodies. However, Halloween may be scary for some, not because of the monsters and horror movies, but because of food allergies. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated eight percent of children in the United States are affected by food allergies. Halloween is a particularly high-risk day for allergic reactions because six of the eight top allergens are common in Halloween candies. Wheat, milk, soy, and egg are ingredients of some chocolates and caramels; and even more candies contain peanuts and tree nuts. Here are some tips for a healthy and safe Halloween while managing food allergies and other medical conditions.
Read Labels
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all FDA-regulated foods list sources of the top eight major allergens. Adults should read ingredient lists for all items, even those that are assumed to be safe. Many fun-sized candy bars do not have an ingredient list on the packaging, so it is important to look those products up online on the manufacturers’ website. If a product does not have a label, be safe and throw out, trade, or donate. Teach children to read labels and to ask questions. Consider speaking with your child’s school and neighbors to ensure safety outside the home.
Offer Non-Food Halloween Treats
Offering non-food Halloween items such as small toys or trinkets is a great way to make Halloween fun for children with food allergies or other medical conditions. Items can be inexpensive and purchased from party supply stores and online retailers. Some ideas include:
Glow sticks or bracelets
Bubbles or bouncy balls
Stickers or stencils
Halloween themed pencils, erasers, or mini notepads
Spider rings, vampire fangs, or other novelty toys
Look for Teal Pumpkins
The Teal Pumpkin Project was started by the Food Allergy Research and Education organization to raise awareness about food allergies and promote safer and more inclusive trick or treating options for the one in thirteen children with food allergies. To participate, place a teal-colored pumpkin on your doorstep and offer safe, non-food items or toys in separate bowls in addition to or instead of candy.
Incorporate Safe Halloween Fun
Adults can research safe options for the children in their lives; they can purchase or make candy and sweet treats that are safe and allergen-free and have those options available during the day.
Instead of focusing on food, plan for fun activities such as costume parades, games, arts and crafts, or physical activities. Some ideas include painting pumpkins, candy corn bingo, zombie tag, and dancing to Halloween music.
Finally, incorporate Halloween fun into safe, allergen-free foods such as fruits and vegetables. Some ideas include pumpkin oranges and banana ghosts or a vegetable tray in the shape of a skeleton – bell peppers, celery, and carrot sticks make great bones.
Enjoy Halloween
Kids, with and without food allergies, will appreciate themed activities, small toys, and a fun filled day.
Learn more about low-, moderate- and high-risk Halloween activities from the CDC here.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm
https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project
