What have we learned from previous year’s Halloween celebration? It can be done safely and wisely with kids enjoying their special day (or night).  One of the most important things to do for this holiday (as well as anytime) is to be a LABEL DETECTIVE! That’s right as a parent you must read each and every label of packaged foods.  Many snack foods and candy may contain peanuts, nuts, egg and milk (among the most common food allergens in kids).   

Learn more about safe food allergen labeling and consumer information which will simplify whether a food contains one of the top 8 food allergens to protect consumers with food allergy @  http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrgqa.html. 

So here is a partial list of ways I have found to enjoy a safe Halloween.

·     The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology have a great check- list of things to do for a safe Halloween at:  http://www.aaaai.org/patients/elements/1008/08halloween_checklist.stm

·     Go shopping with your child and pre-purchase safe foods and snacks that do not contain suspect allergens before the “trick-or-treating” begins

·     Attend a Halloween party with your child to ensure that you can monitor to keep your child safe and resolve any food allergy concerns

·     Bake safe foods and treats at home and bring them with you to parties and during trick-or-treating on Halloween (if your child has gluten intolerance or celiac disease, this will be particularly important)

·     If your child is allergic to egg and egg products watch out for the appearance of “shiny” food products that may signal egg coating on bakery foods

·     Keep your child’s emergency medication on hand, such as an epinephrine auto injector, if they have prescribed for potential use if a food induced allergic reaction should occur

·     Consider non food items such as stickers, crayons,  in lieu of snacks, candy and food

Check out www.foodallergy.org (The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network) for more food allergy safety tips to keep it safe and an enjoyable holiday for your family 

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.