TYLER, TX (KLTV) -
Helping a child with a food allergy navigate school lunches, birthday parties, and everyday life is hard enough, but when it comes to trick-or-treating, a nut, chocolate or dairy intolerance can be downright disheartening.
With Halloween right around the corner, not only do children with allergies need to be careful, but specialists said those handing-out candy should exercise caution as well.
"It would be good to ask children if they have any allergies many of them might be able to answer that question, some may not, but the safest alternative is to give out things that aren't food related."
Buttram said if your child does have a known allergy, always carry epinephrine to prevent the reaction from worsening. Buttram adds those handing-out candy should look for labels that say they are free of allergens: nuts being the most common.
One health researcher points out that parents need to be vigilant in checking what is in the candy children pick-up.
"Unless you're reading the labels you really don't know, and food additives are in such small amounts that they are typically at the end of the ingredients," Dr. Jimi Francis from UT-Tyler Nutrition said.
Francis said that candies made entirely of sugar are the safest bet when it comes to avoiding an allergy, whether it's egg, dairy, or nut allergies.
"Candies that are more hard sugar types of candies are typically will have no nuts," Francis said.
Experts said another option is to get a variety of candy or even toys, so those with allergies can still enjoy a treat when trick-or-treating.
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Look for allergy-free labels on candy.
One health researcher says sugar-based candies are more likely to be allergy-free.
