Authorities ask to review the packaging and moderate the consumption of candy on Halloween to avoid poisoning and child health problems.
On the occasion of the Halloween celebrations, The health authorities called on parents and caregivers to take extreme precautions when receiving and consuming sweets.in order to prevent possible cases of poisoning due to adulterated, expired or products without health registration.
According to experts, the first step is Verify that all sweets retain their original packaging and are properly sealed.
Products without packaging, opened or with signs of tampering must be discarded immediately, since their origin or the hygiene conditions under which they were prepared cannot be guaranteed.
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In dialogue with La Fm, Diana Sandoval, an expert in Public Health at the Manuela Beltrán University, pointed out that it is necessary Carefully review the appearance of the candy, paying attention to its color, texture and smell. The specialist pointed out that a product with unusual tones, stains, humidity or with a different aroma than usual, may be an indication of contamination or decomposition.
He also insisted that Parents should check the expiration date. If the packaging does not show it visibly or the number is altered, the candy should not be consumed. Likewise, there is a warning about imported products without labels in Spanish or without a health registration number, which can enter the country without proper quality controls.
Another preventive measure is to verify the health record of Invima, or the corresponding entity, which guarantees that the product has been authorized for sale. Sweets that lack this information, or that have false or illegible codes, represent a health risk.
The authorities also recommend give priority to recognized brands purchased in formal establishmentsavoiding street shopping or informal sellers. If adults distribute sweets, it is suggested to purchase them from trusted stores and check the packaging before giving them to the children.
Finally, experts insist that if you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or dizziness after eating sweets, you should immediately go to a medical center and keep a sample of the suspicious product for analysis.
How many sweets should a child consume?
According to Diana Sandoval, one of the keys to enjoying Halloween safely is not to go out on an empty stomach. “If children eat before going outthey are less likely to overindulge on sweets or consume them all at once. The ideal is to offer them a balanced meal that includes proteins, vegetables and complex carbohydrates”, he pointed out.
Recommended options include onerepa with egg and avocadoa rice with chicken and vegetables or one salad with cheese and natural fruitdishes that provide sustained energy and help reduce sugar cravings.
Furthermore, it is important that children drink enough water before and during activitysince the mild dehydration It can be confused with hunger, increasing the temptation to consume more sweets.
How Much Sugar Is Safe and How to Handle Too Much
The international guides establish that the consumption of free or added sugars should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intakebeing the 5% the ideal. This is equivalent to between 30 and 50 grams of sugar a day, depending on age.
At the end of the collection, experts recommend Do not allow children to consume all the sweets at once. “The ideal is sort the sweets and divide them into small portions for the following days,” the expert suggested.
It is also advised brush your teeth or rinse with water after consumption, and offer milk, fruit or natural nuts, to balance excess sugar.
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He candy abuse that combine sugar, dyes and fats can cause abdominal pain, nausea, gas or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually temporary, but you should consult your doctor if there are persistent vomiting, severe pain, fever, dehydration or prolonged weakness.
In some cases, excess sugar can alter the metabolism or decompensate in children with underlying diseases, so vigilance is essential.
Source: Integrated Information System
