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Patients & Consumers Conditions En Español Find an Allergist / Immunologist Just for Kids New Research Parent Resources Pollen Levels Publications Request a Speaker School Tools Seniors The Virtual Allergist™ Treatments Donate Now Search by Condition (A-Z) Search by Topic Allergy & Asthma Issues Educational Brochures Elements of Allergy and Asthma Order Public Education Materials Allergy Shots Drug Guide Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)		FOOD ALLERGY This article was reviewed by Stuart A Friedman, MD, FAAAAI Patients & Consumers Web Editor Avoid Halloween horrors DID YOU KNOW? Small candy bars passed out to trick-or-treaters may have different ingredients than their regular-size counterparts. So, even if a certain candy is typically safe, the 'fun size' version might not be. For the three million children with food allergies, Halloween spooks and scares are not limited to vampires and witches. Candies containing peanuts or chocolate can be just as frightening. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers a checklist for parents to help navigate the dangers of trick-or-treating with food allergies. The checklist is available for free download here. According to the AAAAI, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg and soy are the most common food allergies to affect children. Any or all of these ingredients can be found in candy bars and other sweet snacks. A single bite of these foods can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in some children. All it takes is a little preparation and creativity to plan Halloween festivities that are fun and safe for all children. Tips offered in the AAAAI checklist include: Accompany younger children as they trick-or-treat, or be sure they are supervised by a responsible adult who knows how to handle an emergency allergic reaction. Insist that older children trick-or-treat with friends who are aware of the food allergies and can assist in an emergency. Be sure your child carries emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector. Before Halloween, distribute safe snacks to neighbors and request that they be handed out to your child. Work with your child's teacher to plan a school party involving non-food treats, such as stickers or novelty erasers. Or, pack treats from home that other students can give to your child. Consider participating in a charity trick-or-treat event to raise money for a good cause, rather than collect candy. To the Point Halloween treats can be dangerous for food-allergic children. Many miniature candy bars do not list ingredients, so parents and children must be extra-vigilant. Each year, thousands of hospitalizations and 150 to 200 deaths are reported due to anaphylaxis from food allergies. Children with food allergies may enjoy candy-free alternatives to a traditional Halloween. Try hosting a party emphasizing costumes and non-food treats instead. Download a helpful checklist of Halloween tips. An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical expert to diagnose and treat food allergies. To find an allergist/immunologist near you, visit the physician referral directory at www.aaaai.org. For more information on food allergies, please visit the Patients & Consumers Center of the AAAAI web site, www.aaaai.org. Additional Resources Halloween Safety Checklist Tips to Remember: Food Allergy Tips to Remember: What is Anaphylaxis? Just for Kids: Food Allergy Word Search FAAN Trick-or-Treat for Food Allergy <back>
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