Capitol News

Halloween is a popular holiday for both adults and children, with activities ranging from costume parties to trick-or-treating. As children collect candy, parents may have concerns about the health effects of consuming large amounts of sweets.

Christine Venema, a food safety educator with MSU Extension, provides insights into these concerns. She notes that while Halloween candy does not typically pose food safety issues, there are quality considerations to keep in mind. "When it comes to food safety and children, we are concerned about food being safe because children 0-5 years are at a high risk for contracting a foodborne illness," she explains. However, she adds that "Halloween candy really does not have a food safety issue. It is a quality issue."

Venema mentions that according to Hershey's, their products maintain good quality for about 12 months but warns that nuts can deteriorate over time due to fat content going rancid. The primary health concern with Halloween candy is its high sugar content and the risk of dental cavities.

Regarding different types of candy, Venema shares information from a gummy candy manufacturer stating their product has a long shelf-life and maintains good quality up to 12 months after production if stored properly. Hard candies also do not pose foodborne illness risks but can become sticky if exposed to humidity.

Parents should inspect their children's candy for any torn or open wrappers and discard items with imperfections. Venema advises caution regarding marijuana edibles due to potential dangers for small children and recommends checking labels for allergens.

To prevent staleness, storing Halloween candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place is advised. Freezing can extend shelf life if done correctly using moisture-vapor-proof containers or freezer bags.

For safe trick-or-treating, Venema suggests avoiding hard or small candies that could be choking hazards and recommends having a snack before heading out to prevent eating collected treats immediately.

For further questions on this topic, parents can contact the MSU Extension Food Safety Hotline at 877-643-9882.