The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) encourages residents to be vigilant and ensure treats are safe for children’s consumption, as many families participate in trick-or-treat activities.

Food safety is critical to avoid contaminated foods from being consumed thereby resulting in food-borne illness. DEH is reminding parents and caregivers of some essential food safety tips for his Halloween. 

• Ensure that children eat a hearty meal before going trick-or-treating. This way they are less inclined to snack on their treats
• Children should not eat any treats from their loot bags before parents get the chance to inspect these items
• Tell children to refuse anything that is not commercially packaged. Parents should inspect wrappers thoroughly for damage, any signs of tampering and expiry date. Throw out all items that are expired or appear to be suspicious.
• If you have very young children, please discard potential choking hazards such as chewing gum, hard candies and peanuts 
• If your child has food allergies; please remember to read all labels carefully to ensure that the item does not consist of any allergens. Be extremely cautious of items with warning labels depicting ‘may contain’ statements. 

If you are planning a Halloween party at home, please observe the following tips:

• Keep perishable foods including cold pasta dishes with meat, poultry and seafood; cheese platters, fruit/vegetable salads and cakes with whipped cream or cream cheese frostings chilled until serving time
• Never leave perishable items outside of the fridge for more than two hours
• Practice good hand hygiene – keep hands clean. 
• Have a happy ‘trick-or-treat’ event!

For additional information, please contact the DEH at 949-6696, email us at[email protected], visit the DEH’s website at www.gov.ky/deh or message our Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3LEK55q