Halloween candy safety and allergy advice for parents

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which means more parties, more trick-or-treating and more candy.

And this won’t happen again until 2037.

While parents and caregivers are encouraged to at least try to limit the amount of chocolate and sugar-laden treats their little goblins consume on Halloween, there is one myth experts are happy to shatter — it will not make them hyperactive.

"It’s not something to be stressed about as a parent," said Cleopatra Tsanis-Tsirnikas, a registered dietitian at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital. "Some people think red dye in candy will also make them hyperactive. There are a ton of studies that show that’s not the case."

Research showed "sugar does not affect the behavior or cognitive performance of children," according to a review of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "However, a small effect of sugar or effects on subsets of children cannot be ruled out."

Moderation is goal

For the most part, eating too much candy probably will make kids feel sick and nauseated, Tsanis-Tsirnikas said.

Her plan is to allow her kids to pick out some favorites from their Halloween haul to eat over a period of several days.

"It lets them have control in a way and encourages moderation," Tsanis-Tsirnikas said. "They want to have fun, and I want them to have fun. They are only kids once."

She also insists on a safety check to make sure all candy is fully sealed in the wrapper before her kids can dig in.

Extra candy is set aside to be donated to schools, senior centers and other places.

Sticky teeth

Tsanis-Tsirnikas prefers to give out small bite-sized chocolate and candy over gummy bears or hard taffy-type sweets.

"They are just straight sugar and horrible for your teeth," she said.

In fact, gummies, caramel, sour candy and bubble gum are the worst Halloween treats for kids’ teeth, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Chewy and sticky candies get caught in the groves of teeth, making it impossible for saliva to wash the remnants away, the organization said. The high acid content of sour candies can break down tooth enamel.

Drinking water throughout the day and brushing after eating on Halloween can help. Chocolate, pretzels, crackers and sugar-free gum are better options, the AAPD said.

Teal pumpkins and allergies

For the caregivers of children with allergies, trick-or-treating can be challenging. Dr. Irum Noor, an allergist/immunologist with ENT & Allergy Associates in Manhasset, said parents should be prepared with prescribed epinephrine and some allergy-safe treats in their bags.

"Halloween should be about fun, not fear," Noor told Newsday in an email. "My advice is simple: collect first, inspect later. Children should never eat candy until a parent has checked the ingredients."

Some houses will have a teal pumpkin out front, signaling they have small toys, stickers, Halloween trinkets and other nonfood items for kids with allergies.

Noor said children with peanut allergies cannot assume all chocolate bars are safe to eat.

"Many chocolates are manufactured on equipment that also processes peanuts, creating a risk of cross-contact," she said. "Parents should check labels carefully, especially on fun-size candies, and stick with products they know are safe for their child."

Fruit snacks, sour candies and gummies can be great alternatives, she said, but parents also need to check them for allergens or if there is a possibility of cross contamination.

Pet safety

Family dogs need just as much supervision as kids on Halloween. Chocolate and raisins and any candy that may contain them are highly toxic for dogs, according to veterinarians at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in Manhattan.

Xylitol, an ingredient in sugar-free gum, mints and other low-calorie foods, can be life-threatening if consumed by dogs. Keep treats and their wrappers away from dogs, veterinarians said.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.