Halloween Safety Tips: Treats

TIPS FOR PARENTS ABOUT TREATS

Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating. They should wait until they get home and parents have had a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go--don't send them out on an empty stomach.
Tell children not to accept--and, especially, not to eat--anything that isn't commercially wrapped.
When children bring their treats home, discard any home-made candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.
If juice or cider is served to children at Halloween parties, make sure it is pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria. Juice or cider that has not been treated will say so on the label.
In addition, FDA suggests consumers check the information posted on the following page www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/melamine.html#warnings to see a listing of products to avoid this Halloween season, due to possible contamination with melamine. Also, inspect your child’s Halloween treats to make sure there are no items that the FDA is advising consumers to avoid because of possible melamine contamination. If you see any of those products, dispose of them.