CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – Parents checking Halloween candy should focus on damaged wrappers, food allergies and choking hazards rather than fears of tampering, according to the Illinois Poison Center.
“Halloween should be fun,” said Dr. Neeraj Chhabra, the center’s medical director. “And the good news, Halloween candy in general is actually very safe.”
Chhabra said tampering is extremely uncommon, but families should still inspect treats before children eat them. Discard anything with an opened, torn or punctured wrapper, and check ingredient labels for allergens.
For toddlers and young children, hard candy, gum, whole nuts and small toys can pose choking risks.
Some potential exposures happen closer to home. Chhabra urged families to keep cannabis edibles locked away and separate from ordinary food and candy.
“I’m not suggesting that cannabis gummies and edibles are being routinely handed out during trick-or-treating,” he said. “The more realistic risk is that a child finds these products in their home or somewhere they’re visiting and mistakes them for candy.”
Glowing accessories are another concern. Chhabra said children sometimes bite into glow sticks, exposing themselves to liquid that can cause mild irritation.
Families should contact the Poison Center if a child gets into something questionable. Specialists can help determine whether the exposure can be managed at home or requires medical evaluation.
“The call is free. It’s confidential,” Chhabra said.
The Illinois Poison Center is available 24 hours a day at 800-222-1222.
