*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated. 1992.10.27 : Safe Halloween Contact: Bonnie Aikman (202) 690-6867 October 27, 1992 The U.S. Public Health Service today asked parents to make certain trick-or-treaters can see and be seen this Halloween and are protected from candy and other food that may have been tampered with. James Mason, HHS assistant secretary for health and head of the Public Health Service, said the holiday can be especially hazardous for young pedestrians. "Not only do drivers forget that more children may be out later on Halloween night," he said, "but motorists won't be accustomed to the darkness that accompanies standard time. Children can have their vision obscured by costumes, too." Mason also says incidents in which children have become ill or injured after eating food that has been tampered with make it important that parents examine all treats. The PHS recommends that: --To help drivers see youngsters clearly, each child should wear something easily visible at night. White, reflective or florescent material can be used in their costumes. Kids can also carry "magic wands" in the form of decorated flashlights. --Wigs, hats or masks that obscure a child's vision should be replaced or altered. Makeup, for example, can be used instead of a sight-blocking mask. --Youngsters should go trick-or-treating in a group and follow a prescribed route that includes only those homes of people parents know and trust. Parents should always accompany very young children. --Treats should go into a sturdy bag to be reviewed by parents before anything is eaten. This should include a check to make certain no foreign objects (especially needles or bits of glass) are imbedded in them. Local law enforcement authorities should be contacted if tampering is suspected. All fruit should be washed thoroughly and any food parents suspect may be spoiled should be thrown out. --Parents should see that children eat no more than moderate amounts of candy every day or so, since some ingredients used in them may cause bloating or diarrhea if eaten to excess. If parents feel a neighborhood might not be safe enough for traditional trick-or-treating, they should get together with other families and plan a traditional Halloween party -- with homemade treats, apple-bobbing and prizes for the best costumes. ###