FRANKFORT, KY. (Oct. 21, 2003) - Kentucky children are once again preparing to dress up in costumes for the annual Halloween trick-or-treating.

The Cabinet for Health Services is offering some tips to parents and children on ways to make sure this year’s festivities are safe for all.

      “Every year Kentucky’s children look forward to going Trick-or-Treating,” said Anita Travis, Manager of the Cabinet’s Food Safety Branch. “While it’s fun for children to dress up and try their luck in gathering treats and candy, we just want to provide some general food safety guidelines which should be remembered when collecting and consuming the food.”

·        Only visit homes and businesses that you are familiar with.

• Don’t take candy or treats from persons whom you do not know.
• Only eat candy which has been made commercially and wrapped.
• Do not eat candy if the outer wrapper has been noticeably altered.
• Homemade treats should not be eaten unless you know and trust the person who made them.
• Do not eat any candy or food that is unwrapped or appears to be soiled or unwholesome.
• Always wash your hands before eating any foods.
• After handling any unclean food products, wash you hands thoroughly.
• Be conscious of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to small children.
• Overall general rule:  If in doubt, toss it out.

Also be conscious as to the styles of foods you hand out to other children. Simply follow the above guidelines to help ensure the children that receive your foods will enjoy a safe Halloween.

                                                      --30--