A few days before Halloween, hundreds of children will take to the streets in costumes to ask for candy, a way to have fun with the family and have a pleasant time. However, what candy will the little ones receive and what material is the mask they wear? You cannot control the candy given to minors or the costumes they wear, but you can verify that they have the necessary records to not put their health at risk.
The General Directorate of Environmental Health and Food Safety (Digesa) of the Ministry of Health has provided several recommendations to take into account:
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Regarding masks, pumpkins and accessories
- All products must have the health authorization issued by DIGESA.
- The labeling must be available on the wrapper or container and/or on a label or leaflet of the toy.
- Avoid buying these products in places of dubious origin.
- The information on the product labeling must include the National Registration number and Health Authorization, name of the manufacturer or importer and its address, country of origin, instructions for use, recommended age symbol, warnings and recommendations.
- It should not have strong odors or loud colors.
- In contact with the hand it should not be removed.
Whilesweets and treats
- Verify that the container is completely sealed and its labeling or labeling has a Health Registration code, expiration date, name of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, batch code, a list of ingredients used in its manufacturing process, as well as as special conservation conditions.
The responsible for the food hygiene area of the Regional Health Management of Arequipa, Emiliana Haro, explained that many of these products have as ingredients tartrazinewhich is one of the most used artificial colors in the food industry and belongs to the family of azo dyes; This dye gives foods and drinks a yellow tone.
“Studies have found that it can cause allergies and hyperactivity in children,” noticed.
Haro remembered that everything sweet has colorings, flavorings, sugar; But for all these inputs there is a maximum limit allowed. Ingesting large quantities can cause stomach pain and skin allergies, which can put your health at risk.