Safety Tips For Checking Halloween Candy - Police Operations - CSU Channel Islands (2024)

  • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.
  • Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any of the following candies that have:
  1. An unusual appearance or discoloration
  2. Tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers
  3. Spoiled or unwrapped items
  4. Homemade items or baked goods should be discarded unless you personally know who gave them.
  5. When in doubt, throw it out
  • Tell children not to accept -- and, especially, not to eat--anything that isn't commercially wrapped.
  • Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies and small toys.
  • Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
  • Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking
    (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

If you have any questionsabout possible tainted candy, you can contact the:

  • POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-800-222-1222
  • CI Police Department 805-437-8444
Safety Tips For Checking Halloween Candy -
	Police Operations -
	
	CSU Channel Islands (2024)

FAQs

Safety Tips For Checking Halloween Candy - Police Operations - CSU Channel Islands? ›

Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

How do you check the safety of Halloween candy? ›

Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

What is the safety message for Halloween candy? ›

Tell children not to accept — or eat — anything that isn't commercially wrapped. Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.

Why is it important to check your Halloween candy? ›

It's not just keeping an eye out for possible drug-laced candy, but also making sure someone didn't tamper with the treats.

How to know if Halloween candy is drugged? ›

How to know if candy is laced
  1. Beware of open wrappers. A candy with an open wrapper (whether blatantly open or looking as if it's been resealed) is a red flag. ...
  2. Pay attention to smell. ...
  3. Read candy brand names.
Oct 4, 2023

What precautions should be taken during Halloween candy? ›

Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any of the following candies that have:
  • An unusual appearance or discoloration.
  • Tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers.
  • Spoiled or unwrapped items.

What are the hazards in Halloween candy? ›

The majority of Halloween candies pose a choking risk to young children. Candies that are round, chewy, or gummy are all considered choking hazards. To ensure you're giving safe treats to toddlers this Halloween season, opt for larger treats that melt in the mouth, like chocolate bars or cookies.

What is the Halloween candy rule? ›

THE THREE DAY RULE

When the kids return with their Halloween candy they can eat as much of it as they like before bed that night, and as much as they like whenever they like for two days after Halloween.

Why is Halloween Safety important? ›

Stay on the porch or stoop when trick-or-treating; children should not go into homes. Slow down and stay alert; children are twice as likely to be injured in a vehicle or pedestrian accident on Halloween compared to any other day of the year.

Should you check kids' candy? ›

To safely check candy for evidence for tampering and protect your children, follow these guidelines: Advise your little ones not to eat any candy until they're home. Give each piece a visual inspection for signs of: Discoloration to packaging.

What is the purpose of Halloween candy? ›

In the 19th century, “tricks”—such as rattling windows and tying doors shut—were often made to look as though supernatural forces had conjured them. Some people offered candy as a way to protect their homes from pranksters, who might wreak havoc by disassembling farm equipment and reassembling it on a rooftop.

Is it wrong to not hand out candy on Halloween? ›

If you're not expecting any trick-or-treating visitors on Halloween, is it okay not to give out any treats? It is perfectly fine to not give out any treats on Halloween, just be sure your porch light is off. This will signal that you aren't giving out candy.

How long is Halloween candy safe to eat? ›

Hard candy - hard candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Jellied candies - if the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be stored away from heat and light at room temperature of about 70 degrees. Stored in this manner, the candy should last 6-9 months.

What are the symptoms of laced candy? ›

Instead, you might notice symptoms like red eyes, delayed reactions, difficulty understanding or responding, as well as dry eyes (blinking often) or dry mouth (being overly thirsty). For candy that may have been laced with meth or fentanyl, look for symptoms like: Drowsiness or dizziness. Shallow or slowed breathing.

What is the safest Halloween candy? ›

Top Rated Allergy-Friendly Halloween Candy
  • DUM DUMS. SEE LABEL. ♥️ Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8 Allergens. ...
  • Free2B Bag O' Treats. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Smarties. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Dots. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Skittles. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Minis. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Junior Mints. SEE LABEL. ...
  • Surf Sweets Halloween Organic Fruity Bears. SEE LABEL.

What Halloween candy has been recalled? ›

Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candy and Cocco Candy Rolling Candy may present a choking hazard.

How long is it safe to keep Halloween candy? ›

Hard candy - hard candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Jellied candies - if the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be stored away from heat and light at room temperature of about 70 degrees. Stored in this manner, the candy should last 6-9 months.

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