Halloween with Food Allergies

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Every year, millions of children look forward to Halloween almost as much as they do Christmas or Hanukkah. They love all that candy! But kids with food allergies – and their parents -- must approach Halloween with caution (and diligent label-reading!).

Many candies are off limits for kids with food allergies, either because their allergen is an included ingredient or because of the risk of cross-contact. Some people are tempted to ignore precautionary statements (i.e., “May contain), thinking the chances that the food containing their allergen is slim. However, researchers have tested products with precautionary statements and found that major food allergens such as milk, egg, and peanut have indeed been found in the products that bore a “May contain” statement for those allergens.

If a food label indicates that the product “may contain” or is “processed on shared equipment with” the ingredient to which you or your child is allergic, avoid that food -- the manufacturer is trying to communicate some level of risk.

Finally, keep in mind that the mini-size, fun-size, or bite-size version of candy may contain different ingredients to their full-size counterparts. Make no assumptions, and read all labels carefully.

We wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Here are some additional tips for a safe trick-or-treating experience:

  • Buy your own safe treats to trade for any unsafe candies your child might receive.
  • Enforce a “no eating while trick-or-treating” rule, so that you have time to review all food labels and contact manufacturers with any questions.
  • Pass on candy and treats that do not have an ingredient label.
  • Always have an epinephrine auto-injector available, if prescribed.
  • Raise vital funds for FAAN by having your child participate in Trick-or-Treat for Food Allergy.