As Halloween approaches, New Mexico parents are being reminded to take extra precautions when their children bring home candy. KOAT safety specialist Paul Szych stresses that a simple visual check can prevent a range of health hazards.

Check every wrapper

“If a wrapper is torn or open, throw it away,” Szych advises. Even a small tear can expose candy to contaminants, insects or mold. Parents should open each piece of candy in a well‑lit area and discard anything that looks damaged.

Watch for allergens

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that families with food sensitivities read ingredient labels carefully. Common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy and gluten should be flagged, and parents should keep a list of their child’s sensitivities handy while sorting treats.

Avoid cannabis edibles

New Mexico’s Poison and Drug Information Center has recorded more than 1,000 cannabis exposure cases since 2021, about half involving children twelve and under. Edible gummies, chocolates and baked goods can look identical to regular candy, making them especially risky. Szych suggests keeping any cannabis‑infused products locked away and away from the trick‑or‑treat haul.

Consider a pre‑packaged solution

For parents who want to eliminate risk entirely, Szych offers a precautionary approach: “Let your kids go and trick‑or‑treat, take their candy, throw it away, and give them a giant bag of candy that you bought from the store.” While it may seem extreme, the advice underscores the seriousness of potential incidents and the difficulty of undoing a harmful exposure.

Know the signs of trouble

If a child shows signs of disorientation, unusual behavior, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after eating candy, act quickly. Call 911 or the state poison control hotline at 1‑800‑222‑1222. Prompt medical attention can be critical, especially in cases involving allergens or cannabis ingestion.

Practical tips for a safe night

• Sort candy at home, not on the porch.
• Use a well‑lit table and keep a trash bin nearby for discarded items.
• Teach children not to eat candy until an adult has inspected it.
• Store any cannabis edibles in a locked container, separate from regular treats.
• Keep emergency numbers handy, including the local poison control center.

By taking these steps, New Mexico families can enjoy a fun, worry‑free Halloween while safeguarding their children’s health.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.