October can be a magical month for kids. Changing leaves, fun costumes, and free candy at every door. Unfortunately for kids with food allergies — and their parents — it can also be one of the most stressful times of year. 

The CDC estimates about 8% of American children have food allergies. That’s about one in every thirteen children. Food allergies can be severe and even life threatening. Andrea Jensen is a health educator for the Utah County Health Department and a parent of children with food allergies. Jensen warns that “the risk of death from anaphylaxis is real. From ingestion to death could be as little as thirty minutes.” 

Eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy, and wheat are among the most common triggers of food allergies in kids. Peanuts and tree nuts, which are found in many candy bars commonly given out during Halloween, often cause the most severe allergic reactions. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, macadamias, and other nuts commonly found in treats. 

“Kids with food allergies want to be included in trick-or-treating and class parties,” Jensen said. “Ask your child’s teacher about food allergies in the class and avoid sending treats with those ingredients. It’s no fun for a kid to have to pack their own cupcake for a class party.”

If you’re giving out candy this Halloween, consider doing a quick Internet search for ‘allergen free candy’ to purchase. While there are no guarantees this will prevent all allergic reactions, you can proactively avoid the most common and serious allergens. 

Another way to help is by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. The project originated in 2012 with Becky Basalone, a Tennessee mother of two boys with food allergies and intolerances. Teal is the color of food allergy awareness as promoted by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization. Teal pumpkins have come to indicate homes that are providing allergy-free treats. Participation is easy and straightforward.

First, stock up on non-edible alternatives to hand out during Halloween. Examples are bubbles, glow sticks, necklaces, bouncy balls, crayons, Halloween stamps or stickers, play dough, kazoos, spider rings, finger puppets, vampire fangs, temporary tattoos, bookmarks, snap bracelets, Halloween erasers or pencil toppers, stencils, or other small toys. You can find many of these at party supply stores or in teal pumpkin designated sections of many major department stores. This approach helps kids with food allergies while reducing the overall sugar haul for everyone!

Second, mark your home with a teal pumpkin to show that it’s a safe place for kids with allergies to trick-or-treat. Paint a pumpkin teal, purchase a teal pumpkin at a local department or craft store, or print out a teal pumpkin sign from one of the many options available online. Display the teal pumpkin or sign near your front door.

Third, add your address to the Teal Pumpkin Project’s map so parents of kids with allergies know you’ll have non-food treats available. 

For parents of children with food allergies, Jensen suggests having a stash of safe treats at home to exchange with problematic candy, never allowing kids with allergies to eat candy until a parent has checked the food label, and always having two epinephrine auto-injectors on hand at all times in case one misfires. 

Happy safe and inclusive Halloween!

To learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project or add your home to the map, visit: https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

Dr. Sarah Hall is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Utah Valley University.

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