Halloween is Friday and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has compiled some food safety tips to help trick-or-treaters enjoy a safe, fun night. Give kids a meal or a snack before they head out for trick-or treating to help them avoid the urge to snack on items while they are out, especially those that are not commercially wrapped. Look over their bags when they return home. Remove anything that is not commercially wrapped, discard candy with packaging that is discolored or damaged, or has tears pinholes or other openings. Keep choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys away from very small children. If serving juice or cider to guests, make sure it is pasteurized. Keep all perishable foods you plan to serve to party guest chilled until serving time. … [Read more...]
Thirteen Lucky Tips for a Safe Halloween
The Food and Drug Administration, CDC, and Consumer Product Safety Commission are offering thirteen lucky tips for a safe Halloween. These tips cover costumes, decorations, and food tips. First of all, make sure all costumes are made of fire-retardant materials. Wear bright, reflective costumes or add reflective tape. Trick-or-treating in the dark can be hazardous. Wear makeup and hats rather than masks to make sure you can see clearly, test the makeup on your arm first to see if a rash develops, and make sure the makeup is FDA approved. Don't wear decorative contact lenses unless they are fitted by an optometrist. For sweet treats, don't eat candy until it has been inspected at home. Look for torn wrappers, pin holes, discoloration, unusual appearance, or other signs of tampering. … [Read more...]
Black Licorice: Trick or Treat?
Just before Halloween, the Food and Drug Administration is reporting that black licorice should be eaten in moderation if you're at least 40 years old. Eating more than 2 ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks or more could cause irregular heart rhythm. Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the sweetener from licorice root, that can decrease potassium levels in the body. When that happens, some people experience arrhythmia, as well as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure. Several medical journals have linked black licorice consumption to health problems in people over the age of 40. When you stop eating the candy, potassium levels are usually restored back to normal. Licorice can also cause pseudoaldosteronism, which causes a person to … [Read more...]
Halloween Food Safety
Halloween is here! This fun holiday is a childhood favorite. But there are some food safety rules parents need to follow to keep everyone healthy. FoodSafety.gov has some tips to keep Halloween treats safe, not scary. And the FDA has "Lucky 13: Tips for a Safe Halloween" to read. If your kids go out to get candy, don't let kids eat while they are trick-or-treating. You should inspect the treats before they try them. Try to get them to eat something healthy before they venture out. Go to neighborhood homes where you know the people. Second, kids should not accept any treats that are not commercially wrapped. That means no homemade popcorn balls or other treats. When you get home, inspect the treats. Look for signs of tampering on products, such as pinholes, tears in the wrapper, or … [Read more...]
