Halloween candy safety: Tips for inspecting Halloween candy

Many families have heard horror stories of kids receiving tainted candy or dangerous items while trick-or-treating.

“Realistically, that doesn’t happen very often – but it's better to be safe than sorry,” says Lamiya Islam, Program Coordinator for Injury Prevention at Children's Health^SM.

To help families enjoy the holiday with peace of mind, Islam shares expert advice on how to check Halloween candy and simple steps to keep kids safe.

Potential hazards in Halloween candy

When it comes to Halloween candy safety, parents often worry most about tampering. While this is rare, the more common dangers are choking, allergens and products that look like candy but aren’t meant for kids.

Choking hazards

Small children, especially those under 5, are at higher risk of choking on certain types of candy. Hard, round, chewy candies, as well as gummy candies, can be dangerous for little kids. Instead, choose safer options like soft chocolate bars.

Food allergens in candy

Many popular Halloween treats contain common food allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk and wheat. Always read ingredient labels carefully before your child eats the candy.

Items that look like candy but are not for children

Another growing concern for parents is THC edibles. Products containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the main chemical in marijuana) are often packaged as gummies, chews or chocolates that look nearly identical to regular candy. Eating these – even in small amounts – can be dangerous for children.

If your child brings home a treat with unfamiliar packaging, always double-check the label. If there’s no label or you’re unsure what it is, throw it away. And if you or someone in your household uses THC products, store them locked, out of sight and out of reach of children.

How to check Halloween candy

When you get home from trick-or-treating, pour your child’s candy out onto a clean surface in a well-lit area. Good lighting will make it easier to carefully inspect each piece. Look for:

• Rips, tears or holes in the packaging

• Candy that looks like it's already been opened

• Wrappers that look unusual, unfamiliar or out of place in your child’s bag

• Candies wrapped with twists on both ends (such as Smarties), which are easier to tamper with

It’s also a good idea to:

• Remove round, hard or chewy candies that could be a choking hazard for kids under 5

• Have an adult open any homemade treats or goody bags to make sure there’s nothing sharp or unsafe inside

If you notice any candy with packaging that looks suspicious or “off,” throw it away.

Is it OK for my child to have homemade treats on Halloween?

It’s generally safest to avoid any homemade treats when trick-or-treating since you can’t be sure what ingredients are in them or how they were prepared. However, if a trusted friend or family member makes the treats – and you know they don’t contain anything your child is allergic to –they’re likely safe to enjoy.

Teaching your child about Halloween safety

As a parent, Halloween is a day to practice balancing being safe and having fun. It can also be a chance to help an older child take control of their own safety and health. Remind your child that trick-or-treating is generally safe but it’s important to:

• Not eat any candy until they get home. This can be tough for kids, but it can help ensure you inspect everything before your child eats it. It can also help your child pay better attention to traffic and safely cross streets. Remember to feed your child a healthy meal or snack before trick-or-treating, so it’s less tempting to snack on candy while they are out.

• Never follow someone into their house on Halloween. Make sure they bring the candy to your child, at the front door.

• Not accept candy from strangers in other settings like at the park or playground.

• Ask a grown-up before eating something they’re not sure might be safe for them.

Get more tips on how to have a safe Halloween with kids at childrens.com/Halloween.