Halloween Food Safety Tips

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is far
beloved by kids and adults alike. What can be a lot of fun
than trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, or costume parties?



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To make sure treats are safe for kids, follow these
easy steps: 

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  ​Snacking:   kids shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags whereas they’re out trick-or-treating. provide them a light meal or snack before they head out – don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait till they get home and allow you to examine their loot before they eat any of it.
Safe treats: Tell kids not to accept – and particularly not to eat – anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. examine commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an uncommon appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that appears suspicious.

Food Allergies: If your kid has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. don't allow the kid to eat any homemade goods he or she might have received.
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Choking hazards: If you have got terribly young kids, take care to get rid of any choking hazards like gum, peanuts, hard candies, or tiny toys.

​Bobbing for apples is an all-time favorite Halloween game. Here are a few of ways to say “boo” to bacteria which will cause food borne illness.
Reduce the number of bacteria that may be present on apples and other raw fruits and vegetables by completely rinsing them under cool running water. As another precaution, use a produce brush to get rid of surface dirt.

Try this new spin on apple bobbing from FightBAC.org: Cut out several apples from red construction paper. On eachapple, write activities for kids, like “do five jumping jacks.” Place a paper clip on every apple and place them in alarge basket. Tie a magnet to a string. Let the kids take turns “bobbing” with their magnet and doing the activity written on their apple. give kids a fresh apple for participating.
If your idea of Halloween fun is a party at home, don’t forget these tips:
Beware of spooky cider! unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. to remain safe, always serve pasteurized products at your parties.
No matter how tempting, do not taste raw cookie dough or cake batter that contain uncooked eggs.
“Scare" bacteria away by keeping all perishable foods chilled till serving time. These include finger sandwiches, cheese platters, fruit or tossed salads, cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry, or seafood, and cream pies or cakes with whipped-cream and cream-cheese frostings.
Bacteria can progress on you if you let foods sit out too long. Don’t leave perishable goodies out of the fridge for over2 hours (1 hour in temperatures higher than 90°F).