Halloween and Allergies

Halloween is one of the biggest "treat" holidays that exist in America. While people with food allergies may stay vigilant regularly, allergies can also find their way into foods we are not familiar with during the holiday season.  For example, candy corn often contains egg whites or sesame oil, two of the common top 9 allergens. Mini or “fun-size” candy can be manufactured differently than their regular or bigger size versions. Checking before consumption is important. Licorice typically contains wheat as a binding agent. Also, if a candy contains no label and you cannot rule out allergy with confidence, the best idea is to trade it or throw it away. 
Non-food treats are a great way to include everyone. These include stickers, pencils, glow sticks, mini slinkies, Halloween themed items like vampire fangs or ghost tattoos. The list goes on! Many stores sell these goodies in packs for parties on a regular basis, but also in the Halloween section. 

Additionally, FARE (foodallergy.org) has started an initiative called the Teal Pumpkin Project. The idea is an inclusive way to inform and educate people about food allergies, during a time where candy is so prevalent. There are two ways you can be involved - as the treat provider, you can have teal pumpkin out on your porch to signify you have allergy safe treats to offer. You can also add your house on the map nationally on the FARE websites. As the  treat recipient, you can carry a teal bucket, informing others that you have an allergy, without saying it out loud. Food allergies can be a huge source of anxiety, shame and embarrassment in the kid population and this way, they can say it without having to verbalize it. 

More information can be found below:Website link: https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/living-teal/teal-pumpkin-project

Here is the youtube video link: https://youtu.be/jmFxeA90vZY