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Choosing Safe Treats for Halloween

Halloween safetyHalloween is almost here! When deciding what treats to buy to hand out to neighborhood goblins, keep in mind those who have food allergies. Always read the ingredient statements on treat wrappers and packaging to identify food allergens and to identify other suspicious problems.

Here is a list of non-food ideas from the Food Allergy Research & Education program.

  • Glow sticks, bracelets, or necklaces
  • Pencils, pens, crayons or markers
  • Bubbles
  • Halloween erasers or pencil toppers
  • Mini Slinkies
  • Whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers
  • Bouncy balls
  • Finger puppets or novelty toys
  • Coins
  • Spider rings
  • Vampire fangs
  • Mini notepads
  • Playing cards
  • Bookmarks
  • Stickers
  • Stencils

Help trick-or-treaters identify your home as food allergy friendly by using a teal-colored bucket or pumpkin.

Learn more about Halloween Food Safety from the Partnership for Food Safety Education.

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.