Trick-or-Treating Tips: Don’t Let Safety Hide in the Shadows

• Hold the snacking! Feed kids a light meal before heading out—trick-or-treating on an empty stomach can lead to sneaky snacking. Encourage them to wait until they're home so treats can be inspected first.
• Only eat wrapped treats. Unwrapped or homemade items from strangers? Say boo and toss them. Always check for tears, holes or discoloration.
• Watch for allergens. Kids with food allergies should avoid anything without a label and parents should check ingredient lists before children eat their treats.
•  Avoid choking hazards. For toddlers, remove small candies, gum, peanuts or toys that could pose a risk.

Ghoulish gatherings: Hosting a spooktacular party?

• Beware the cider spell! Unpasteurized cider and juice, which isn’t heat-treated, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for getting sick.
• Witch’s warning: No raw dough! Unbaked cookie dough and batter may contain harmful bacteria—resist the urge to sample.
• Scare away germs! Keep perishable party treats like sandwiches, cheese platters, and cream pies refrigerated until it’s time to serve.
• Watch the witching hour. Don’t let perishable foods sit out for more than two hours—or just one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.