How to host an allergy-friendly Halloween party
- 04 October 2023
- News
With allergies increasing among the population, it’s likely you or someone you know will have at least one food allergy.
Anaphylaxis UK wants to make sure no one is left out during social events and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you host the perfect allergy-friendly party for your friends and family. By taking a few extra measures you can ensure everyone has an enjoyable time.
Top tips for an allergy-friendly Halloween party
- Check with guests – When inviting people, it’s important to always ask if anyone has allergies, and if so, how they would like to be catered for. It may be that they prefer to bring their own food, or you can ensure their specific allergen isn’t included in your buffet.
- Label – Labelling food with any of the top 14 allergens that are present can also help individuals make their own decision. Do include any precautionary labelling such as “may contain nuts”.
- Keep the packaging – Keeping the packaging will also allow your guests to be able to double check. Checking labels is a very important precaution to take when living with an allergy.
- Cross-contamination – If you are including multiple allergens in your spread be aware of cross-contamination. Remember to keep food separate, use separate utensils, and thoroughly clean preparation surfaces to prevent an allergen contaminating an otherwise safe dish.
- Know what to do in an emergency – Get clued up on what to do if you or your friend has an anaphylactic reaction. Take a look at our instructions here.
- Avoid latex decorations – Not all allergies are food related. If someone attending has a latex allergy, just make sure you avoid decorations such as latex balloons and opt for alternatives such as foil balloons instead.
- Ordering in – If the food is being ordered in, for example a takeaway, allergen food information regulations apply. See our guide to ordering takeaways with an allergy here.
We hope you have a happy and safe Halloween!
