Halloween and Food Allergies

Finding treats without tricks can be a challenge on Halloween night for kids. 1 in 13 children in the United States suffer from food allergies. With this statistic being so high, it's important that there is proper education around this subject. Below are some tips and fun facts as well as Halloween treat ideas that keep food allergies in mind.

Tips and Fun Facts:

Different sizes of the exact same treat may contain different ingredients. Example: Small or fun sized Wonka Laffy Taffy does not contain egg but the large/normal size ones do!
Pass out alternatives to snacks and candy such as temporary tattoos, bubbles, glow-sticks, stickers, bouncy balls.
Let children pick out their own candy. Many children are educated with what they can and can't eat so if you let them pick from your bowl they have the option of picking a candy they can eat.
Purchase a variety of candy, including some that doesn't contain any of the top 8 food allergens.
Be sure to carry your epipen around if you do have food allergies.
Get a proper diagnosis. If you suspect your child has a food allergy, visit a board-certified allergist for a proper diagnosis and plan of action before Halloween starts.
Read labels and never eat anything that doesn't have a label on it.
Look out for the "Teal Pumpkin." Families are invited to support kids with food allergies during Halloween by keeping a teal-painted pumpkin outside their home to indicate non-food Halloween treats are inside.