Living in Old Lyme

Hello, Old Lyme neighbors! Halloween is a special time for our children, filled with costumes and the exciting search for sweets. As parents, our main concern is ensuring that all the fun is also safe, especially regarding the candy our little ones gather. While our Old Lyme Police Department provides a helpful service by scanning candy at the station after trick-or-treating, we understand that the temptation can be strong for eager hands! To assist you, we have compiled some straightforward advice to ensure that every treat is as safe as it is enjoyable.

Let’s learn how you can become a candy inspection expert! The most important step is a careful examination by a responsible adult. Look for anything that appears unusual. This includes candy with a strange appearance or any odd discoloration. Even small holes or rips in the wrappers can be a warning sign, indicating tampering. And, of course, any candy that looks spoiled or is unwrapped should be discarded immediately. Your sharp eyes are the first defense in ensuring a safe collection for your little trick-or-treaters.

Beyond the visual checks, there are a few more key guidelines to consider. Homemade treats or baked goods are generally not recommended unless you know the maker very well and trust their ingredients and preparation. It is always best to be cautious. Remember the main rule: “If you are unsure, throw it away.” This simple principle is the best way to achieve peace of mind. We also want to emphasize that only commercially wrapped candy should be considered safe to eat.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also offers some valuable advice that we should all consider. They suggest that children do not eat their collected candy while they are still out trick-or-treating. It is a good idea to have a light meal or snack before they begin their adventure to avoid feeling excessively hungry. This allows you to perform a proper inspection once they return home. This practice not only ensures safety but also helps manage sugar consumption!

When inspecting those commercially wrapped treats, pay close attention to the wrappers themselves. Look for any signs of tampering, such as small holes, tears, or anything that seems unusual about the packaging. If you notice anything suspicious, it is best to discard the item right away. For families with children who have food allergies, carefully check the ingredient labels on all packaged candy to confirm that common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten are not present. Always be cautious with allergies.

Finally, for our families with very young children, it is important to be aware of choking risks. Items like gum, peanuts, hard candies, and even small toys that might be inside candy packages can present a danger to little ones. Please take the time to remove these items from their candy bags before they start eating. By following these simple yet important tips, we can all help ensure that Halloween in Old Lyme is a wonderfully safe and happy occasion for everyone!