Halloween Candy-watch out for food allergies

 

Food allergies never take a holiday. Daughter Kitty was searching through her candy and offered a Heath bar to her brother, Son #2. I happened to overhear her, and went running into the other room, yelling "NOOOOOOOO!" I knew that Health bars have tree nuts in them (almonds) which Son #2 is allergic to. He's pretty good at just selecting what he wants to eat, so I reminded Kitty not to offer Son #2 any candy, but to let him pick out what he knew was safe to eat. Kitty is younger than Son #2 and doesn't realize how bad a food reaction can be.

For those of you with food allergies, PLEASE check your candy carefully. It worries me when candy bars that have tree nuts are in the same bag with candy bars that don't contain them. Everyone is different, but I don't want to chance any cross contamination that would cause anaphylaxis. I have seen that reaction once with Son #1, and I never want to see it again.

To read an article about Halloween candy and anaphylaxis from American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, click here. One of the things they mention is that "fun size" candy bars can have different ingredients than what's normally listed on the label.

If in doubt, I would throw it out. I would rather buy Son #2 a couple of full sized Twix bars, he's never had a problem with them or any cross contamination. If you have ever seen someone go into Anaphylaxis shock, it is very scary, not to mention it can also kill you.

Be safe this Halloween, and check the candy carefully if you have kids with allergies. And repeat aloud, "I will not steal my kid's candy, I will not steal my kid's candy, I will not steal my kid's candy." Well, maybe just one piece.......