From DEH

As Halloween becomes more popular with children in Cayman, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) aims to help parents keep their young ones safe while having fun.

Officials advise parents to closely supervise children at this time of year, particularly with regard to food items that are offered to them. To prevent illness or injury to young children, adults should follow some essential food safety tips:

•          Insist that kids wait until they get home to eat food items – after parents or other adults have inspected their treats;

•          Give children a snack or light meal before they set out ‘trick or treating’ to help restrain any impulse to eat treats before returning home;

•          Discard any homemade items such as candy or baked goods treats that kids bring home;

•          Remove any choking hazard such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys during treat inspections;

•          Inspect commercially-wrapped treats for signs of tampering. Look for unusual appearance, discoloration, tiny pinholes, or torn wrappers.  Discard anything that appears suspicious;

•          Ensure that juice or cider is not left unrefrigerated for extended periods before consumption. Steer away from unpasteurised juices and cider (labels will indicate this) as they are especially vulnerable;

•          Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect for holes and other blemishes, however small, and cut them open before allowing children to eat them. ‘If in doubt, throw it out’;

•          Beware if your children have food allergies; examine food labels – some Halloween treats may trigger allergic reactions in some kids.

For further information on food safety, please contact DEH at 949-6696.