Reminding Canadians of Food Safety This Halloween

Information Update
October 25, 2011
For immediate release

OTTAWA - Halloween is a fun and exciting time for children.  Health Canada would like to remind all Canadians of some important safety tips they can use to ensure that Halloween remains an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Parents or caregivers are encouraged to remind them not to accept - and especially not to eat - homemade candy or baked goods (provided by individuals they don't know).  An adult should also always inspect the treats before children start snacking.  A few tips to keep in mind:

• Discard homemade candy or baked goods provided by people you don't know.
• Throw out any treats that are not wrapped, those in torn or loose packages, or any that have small holes in the wrappers.
• Remove choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys when young children are involved.
• Wash fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes, including small punctures and cuts, and if found, do not let children or adults eat the fruit.

Some Halloween treats may also contain ingredients that can cause severe adverse reactions in individuals who have allergies or sensitivities.  These treats often include ingredients like peanuts, tree nuts, milk and egg - some of the most common food allergens. Parents or caregivers of children with food allergies should exercise caution by reading labels carefully for all treats and by avoiding candies that do not have an ingredient list.

More information about Halloween Food Safety is available from:

The Government of Canada's Halloween Food Safety Tips

It's Your Health on Halloween Safety