Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts’ Halloween Food Safety Tips

October 28, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker; Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts’ Halloween Food Safety Tips
Keep the Tricks out of Your Treats

WISE, Va. – Halloween brings costumes, parties, and plenty of sweet treats. Whether your plans include trick or treating or party fun, the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts share simple tips to prevent foodborne illness and allergic reactions.

“Halloween should be a time for costumes, fun and happy memories,” said Reisa Sloce, Director Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “We encourage parents and caregivers to have children wait until they get home before eating their treats so an adult can check them first. Choose commercially wrapped treats, discard anything with an open or damaged wrapper, and carefully check ingredient labels for food allergens. A few simple precautions can help children enjoy a safer Halloween.”

Check the Goodies Before You Eat

The Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts recommend that parents check children’s Halloween treats before they eat them. Watch for treats that may be dangerous choking hazards. Stick with commercially wrapped treats.

Food Allergies Are No Trick

If you or your children have food allergies, the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts remind you of the importance of reading Halloween candy labels.

Read the ingredient label before eating the treat.
Do not eat a product if you are unsure what is in it.
Children with food allergies should avoid homemade treats when the ingredients are unknown.
Parents should check each piece of candy, even if the child has eaten that type before.

Don’t Let Bacteria Crash the Halloween Party.

Are you in charge of food at the Halloween party? Keep hot and cold foods at safe temperatures and follow these simple steps:

Keep it cold. Refrigerate perishable foods until it is time to serve them.
Follow the two-hour rule. Do not leave perishable food at room temperature for more than two hours before refrigerating or dispose after four hours.
Don’t eat raw dough and batter. Raw eggs and uncooked flour may contain harmful germs.
Choose pasteurized cider. Unpasteurized juice or cider can contain harmful bacteria.
Wash your produce. Rinse apples and other fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before serving.
Keep it clean. Wash utensils, containers, and food preparation surfaces often.

For more information about food safety, visit the Food Safety webpage, or contact your local health department directly: Buchanan 276-935-4591; Dickenson 276-926-4979; Lee 276-346-2011; Russell 276-889-7621; Scott 276-386-1312; Tazewell 276-988-5585; Wise/Norton 276-328-8000.

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