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The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Shares Tips for Halloween Safety Month

Halloween safetyCamden County, N.J.- October is Halloween Safety Month and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is sharing safety recommendations to help you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, fun, and happy Halloween!

Whether your Halloween plans are for adults or kids, there is plenty to consider before choosing a costume, putting on makeup, and eating a bag full of treats.

COSTUME SAFETY 

To help you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, here are some tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics.
  • Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure costumes are short enough so you are not in danger of tripping.
  • Wear nontoxic Halloween makeup rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.
  • Test the makeup you plan to use at least 24-48 hours in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it and if an irritation develops, that is a sign of a possible allergy.
  • Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween, so check the FDA’s list of color additives and only use those that are FDA-approved. This is especially important for makeup around the eyes.
  • Avoid eye injury and do not wear decorative (colored) contact lenses unless you have seen an eye care professional for a proper fitting and instructions for how to use them.

SAFE TREATS

Eating sweet treats is also a big part of Halloween fun. If you are concerned about food safety, before you or your children go trick-or-treating, remember these tips:

  • Do not eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
  • Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.
  • In case of a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. 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.
  • 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.
  • Check labels on any juices to ensure they are pasteurized, because unpasteurized juices can contain harmful bacteria. 

(For more information check out the U.S. Food & Drug Administration website, www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/halloween-food-safety-tips-parents). 

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