GMO-Free Halloween Resources

I thought it would be helpful to put all of these GMO information resources all in one place, for anyone who might be interested in learning more about GMOs, or about having a GMO-Free Halloween. Feel free to share it around, or join us on Facebook or Twitter for updates, information, ideas, etc. Thanks for helping us work toward a healthier Halloween for our kids.

GMO Information Pages/Websites

Non-GMO Project
Non-GMO Shopping Guide
GMO Free USA 

Moms Across America
GMO Awareness

Kids Right to Know

Thrive Movement 

Birke Baehr's Ted Talk
Robyn O'Brien's Ted Talk

Documentaries

Genetic Roulette
Seeds of Death 
Genetically Modified Food: Panacea or Poison

The World According to Monsanto
Food, Inc.
Food Matters
The Future of Food

Resources for a GMO-Free Halloween

GMO-Free Treat Alternatives
GMOs in your Candy?
Non-GMO Halloween Guide

Printable Halloween Tags and Flyers
(you can request the original Microsoft Word file, if you'd like crisper printing)

GMO-Free Halloween Project

Facebook Page

Facebook Event

Twitter

GMOs in Your Candy?

Did you know that your favourite candy probably contains Genetically Modified ingredients? You may have never learned this, even if you frequently read the labels on your food, because there are no mandatory labeling laws for when a company puts a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) into their products. Here is a list of 60 Halloween treats and their ingredients, with the GM ingredients listed in red. Note that it is a mere 7 parent companies that makes all of these brands, and this is not even an exhaustive list of all the candy/junk food brands they produce. If you happen to notice that some ingredients are listed incorrectly, please bring it to my attention in the comments.

If you're looking for GMO-Free or non-candy alternatives, you can look here. Follow our page on Facebook to see new posts and resources as they are released, and please also be sure to join our event and invite your friends!

Parent Company: Mars - Opposes Labeling of GMOs

M&M's- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Flavour), Sugar, Corn Starch, Less than 1%: Corn Syrup, Dextrin, Coloring (Includes Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 2), Gum Acacia

Maltesers- Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter, Glucose Syrup, Barley Malt Extract, Vegetable Fat, Cocoa Mass, Lactose, Whey Powder, Milk Fat, Wheat Flour, Soy Lecithin, Emulsifier E492, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate, Pectin, Salt, Natural Vanilla Extract

Mars Bars- Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Cocoa Butter, Full Cream Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Sunflower Oil, Lactose, Skimmed Milk Powder, Whey Powder, Reduced Fat Cocoa, Milk Fat, Barley Malt Extract, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Egg White Powder, Vegetable Fat, Hydrolysed Milk Protien

Milky Way- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Chocolate, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavour), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil and/or Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Less than 2%: Milk Fat, Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Malted Barley, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavour

Skittles- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil; less than 2% of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors (Red 40 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake), Sodium Citrate, Carnauba Wax.

Snickers- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavour), Peanuts, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milk Fat, Skim Milk, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavor

Starburst- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Apple Juice from Concentrate, Gelatin, Food-Starch Modified, Citric Acid, Less Than 1.5%: Pectin, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Coloring (Red 40, Yellow 5)

Twix- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, PGPR, Artificial Flavours), Sugar, Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Palm Oil, Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Dextrose, Less than 2%: Food-Starch Modified, Salt, Coco Powder, Baking Soda, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavour

Parent Company: Kraft - Opposes Labeling of GMOs

Caramilk- Sugar/Glucose-Fructose, Milk Ingredients, Modified Palm, Modified Vegetable and Vegetable Oils, Unsweetened Chocolate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Salt, Cocoa Butter, Soya Lecithin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride, Natural and Artificial Flavours

Crunchie- Milk chocolate (Sugar, Dried whole milk, Cocoa mass, Cocoa butter, Dried whey, Vegetable fat, Emulsifier (E442), Flavourings), Centre (38%) (Sugar, Glucose syrup, Flavouring, Vegetable oil)

Dairy Milk- Milk, Sugar, Cocoa butter, Cocoa mass, Vegetable fat, Emulsifiers (E442, E476), Flavourings

Fruit Mania- Sugar, glucose syrup, modified corn starch, concentrated pear juice, citric acid, sodium citrate, mineral oil, tartaric acid, lactic acid, carnauba wax, acetic acid, soybean oil, natural and artificial flavours, colour (with tartrazine)

Fuzzy Peaches- Sugar, glucose syrup, modified corn starch, tartaric acid, citric acid, concentrated pear juice, natural and artificial flavours, colour

Mr. Big- Sugar, glucose syrup, wafer (sugar, modified palm oil, wheat flour, corn starch, salt, citric acid, soy lecithin, sodium bicarbonate, artificial flavour), modified palm oil, modified milk ingredients, rice crisps (rice, sugar, salt, monoglycerides, malt flavour [wheat]), unsweetened chocolate, peanuts, modified vegetable oil, palm oil, vegetable oil, cocoa butter, salt, citric acid, soy lecithin, natural flavour

Sour Cherry Blasters- Sugar, glucose syrup, modified corn starch, tartaric acid, citric acid, concentrated pear juice, artificial flavours, colour (with tartrazine)

Sour Patch Kids-  Sugar, Invert Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavoring, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1

Swedish Berries- Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Citric Acid, Concentrated Pear Juice, Mineral Oil, Carnauba Wax, Natural and Artificial Flavours, Colour.

Toblerone- Sugar, Chocolate, Milk, Cocoa Butter, Honey, Milk Fat, Almonds, Invert Sugar, Soy Lecithin, Egg White, Artificial Vanilla Flavor

Wunderbar- Sugar, peanuts, glucose syrup, modified milk ingredients, modified palm oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, unsweetened chocolate, rice crisps (rice, sugar, salt, monoglycerides, malt flavour [wheat]), modified vegetable oil, palm oil, vegetable oil, cocoa butter, salt, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated palm oil, acetylated monoglycerides, calcium chloride, citric acid, mono and diglycerides, sodium bicarbonate, soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavours.

Parent Company: Nestle - Opposes Labeling of GMOs Aero- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Modified Milk Ingredients, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Lactose, Soya Lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, Natural Flavour) Bottle Caps- Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Less than 2%: Calcium Stearate, Malic Acid, Phophoric Acid, Artificial Flavours, Caramel Color, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake Butterfinger- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Ground Roasted Peanuts, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa, Molasses Coffee Crisp- Sugar, Modified Palm, Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil, Wheat Flour, Modified Milk Ingredients, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Soya Lecithin, Coffee, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lactose, Cocoa, Yeast, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, Natural Flavours Crunch- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Nonfat Milk, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Vanilla Flavour), Crisped Rice (Rice Flour, Sugar, Barley Malt, Salt) Gobstopper- Dextrose, Corn Syrup, Less Than 2%: Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Calcium Stearate, Malic Acid, Maltodextrin, Egg Albumen, Carnauba Wax, Confectioner's Glaze, Mono and Diglycerides, Artificial Flavours, Color Added: Carmine Color, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake Kit Kat- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk Ingredients, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Whey Powder, Lactose, Soya Lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, Natural Flavour), Wheat Flour, Sugar, Modified Palm Oil, Cocoa, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soya Lecithin, Yeast, Natural Flavour LaffyTaffy- Corn syrup, sugar, palm oil, malic acid, mono- and diglycerides, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, salt, soy lecithin, artificial flavours, colour Nerds- Dextrose, Sugar, Malic Acid, Less Than 2%: Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavors, Carnauba Wax, Color Added: Carmine Color, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake Rolo- Sugar, Coconut Oil, Corn Syrup (contains sulphites), Milk Ingredients, Alkalized Cocoa Powder, Palm Kernel Oil, Soy Lecithin, Natural and Artificial Flavours, Salt, Potassium Sorbate Runts- Dextrose, maltodextrin, malic acid, calcium stearate, corn syrup, carnauba wax, artificial flavours, colours Smarties- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk Ingredients, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Mass, Whey Powder, Lactose, Soya Lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, Natural Flavour), Sugar, Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Carnauba Wax, Colour SweeTarts- Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Malic Acid, Less Than 2%: Calcium Stearate, Artificial Flavours, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow  Lake Parent Company: Hershey - Opposes Labeling of GMOs Almond Joy- Corn Syrup, Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Milk, Lactose, Milk Fat, Nonfat Milk, Soy Lecithin, PGPR [Emulsifier]), Coconut, Sugar, Almonds [roasted in Cocoa Butter and/or Sunflower Oil], Contains 2% or Less: Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil [Soybean and Palm Oil], Whey (Milk), Salt, Cocoa, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Chocolate, Soy Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Sodium Metabisulfite and Sulfur Dioxide [to maintain freshness], Caramel Color Hershey's Caramel in Milk Chocolate- Milk chocolate (sugar, milk ingredients, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin, artificial flavour), corn syrup, water, sugar, brown sugar, modified milk ingredients, hydrogenated palm oil, sorbitol, soy lecithin, salt, pectin, potassium sorbate, polysorbate 60, natural and artificial flavour, colour, caramel colour. Hershey's Cookies & Cream- Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Cocoa Butter, Palm, Shea, Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil), Nonfat Milk, Corn Syrup Solids, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, and Folic Acid), Milk Fat, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or Cottonseed Oil), Less Than 2%: Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Whey (Milk), Chocolate, Soy Lecithin, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sodium Bicarbonate, Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Tocopherols [to maintain freshness], PGPR [emulsifier], Caramel Color Hershey's Milk Chocolate- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Milk, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, PGPR [Emulsifier], Artificial Vanilla Flavor) Jolly Ranchers- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Contains 2% or Less: Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Artificial Color (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6) Mounds- Corn Syrup, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa, Milk Fat, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, PGPR [Emulsifier]), Coconut, Sugar, Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Sodium Metabisulfite and Sulfur Dioxide [to maintain freshness], Caramel Color, Milk Mr. Goodbar- Sugar, Peanuts, Vegetable Oil (Cocoa Butter, Palm, Shea, Sunflower and/or Safflower Oil), Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Reduced Protein Whey (Milk), Contains 2% or Less: Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, Salt, PGPR [Emulsifier], Artificial Vanilla Flavor Nibs- Corn syrup, sugar, wheat flour, corn starch, palm oil and modified palm oil, salt, natural and artificial flavour, citric acid, potassium sorbate, colour, sulphites, mineral oil, soy lecithin Oh Henry- Sugar, peanuts, corn syrup, modified palm oil and modified vegetable oil (shea, sunflower and/or safflower), modified milk ingredients, unsweetened chocolate, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, modified palm kernel oil, soy lecithin, mono and diglycerides, salt, invertase, artificial flavour, disodium phosphate Reece's Peanut Butter Cups- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, Soy Lecithin, PGPR [Emulsifier]), Peanuts, Sugar, Dextrose, Salt, TBHQ [Preservative] Reece's Pieces- Sugar, Partially Defatted Peanuts, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Kernel and Soybean Oil), Corn Syrup, Dextrose, Contains 2% or Less: Artificial Color (Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Blue 1 Lake), Salt, Resinous Glaze, Soy Lecithin, Modified Corn Starch, Carnauba Wax, Artificial Vanilla Flavor, Milk Skor- Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Artificial Vanilla Flavor), Sugar, Dairy Butter (Milk), Almonds [roasted in Cocoa Butter and/or Sunflower Oil], Milk, Salt Twizzlers- Corn Syrup, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, and Folic Acid), Sugar, Corn Starch, Contains Less Than 2%: Palm Oil, Salt, Artificial Flavor, Mono and Diglycerides, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate [preservative], Artificial Color (Red 40), Mineral Oil, Soy Lecithin, Glycerin York- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Semi-Sweet Chocolate (Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa, Milk Fat, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, PGPR [Emulsifier], Artificial Vanilla Flavor), Invert Sugar, Egg Whites, Oil of Peppermint, Milk Parent Company: Ce De Candy Company Candy Necklaces- Dextrose, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Artificial Flavors, Colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40). Rockets/Smarties- Dextrose, Citric Acid, Calcium Stearate, Natural and Artificial Flavour, Colour (Contains Tartrazine) Super Double Lollies- Dextrose (Contains Corn Syrup Solids and/or Maltodextrin), Citric Acid, Calcium Stearate, Natural and Artificial Flavour, Colour (Contains Tartrazine) Parent Company: Tootsie Caramel Apple Pops- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Skim Milk, Heavy Cream, Malic Acid, Whey, Salt, Artificial Flavors, Sodium Caseinate, Soya Lecithin, Artificial Colors (including FD&C Blue 1, Red 40) Turmeric Coloring Dots- Corn Syrup, Sugar, Modified Food Starch, Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Artificial Colors (Including FD&C Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) Frooties- Sugar, Corn syrup, Partially Hydrogenated soybean oil, Condensed skim milk, Whey, Malic acid, Artificial & natural flavor, soya lecithin, Artificial colors (including FD&C Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1) Tootsie Rolls- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Condensed Skim Milk, Cocoa, Whey, Soya Lecithin, Natural and Artificial Flavors Tootsie Pops- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Citric Acid, Condensed Skim Milk, Cocoa, Whey, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Soya Lecithin, Artificial Colors (FD&C Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) Parent Company: Frito-Lay (PepsiCo Foods) - Opposes Labeling of GMOs Cheetos- Enriched Corn Meal (Corn Meal, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, and Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola and/or Sunflower Oil), Cheese Seasoning (Whey, Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Canola Oil, Maltodextrin [Made From Corn], Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Monosodium Glutamate [MSG], Natural and Artificial Flavours, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Artificial Colour [Yellow 6]), Salt Dorito's Nacho- Selected Corn, Vegetable Oil, Seasoning (Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Corn Maltodextrin, Wheat Flour, Whey, Monosodium Glutamate [MSG], Buttermilk Solids, Romano Cheese, Whey Protein Concentrate, Onion Powder, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Corn Flour, Lactose, Natural and Artificial Flavour, Dextrose, Tomato Powder, Spices, Lactic Acid, Colour, Citric Acid, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Red and Green Bell Pepper Powder, Sodium Caseinate, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Skim Milk Powder, Whey Protein Isolate, Corn Syrup Solids), Calcium Hydroxide Dorito's Sweet Chili Heat- Corn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola and/or Sunflower Oil), Salt, Sugar, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Fructose, Sodium Diacetate, Soy Sauce (Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Onion Powder, Corn Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Garlic Powder, Torula Yeast, Malic Acid, Extractives of Paprika, Spices, Caramel Colour, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Dextrose, Natural Flavour Lay's Classic- Specially Selected Potatoes, Vegetable Oil, Salt Lay's Ketchup- Specially Selected Potatoes, Vegetable Oil, Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Monosodium Glutamate [MSG], Lactose, Acetic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Dehydrated Vegetable Powder (Tomato, Garlic, Onion), Corn Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Flavour and Artificial Flavour, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Colour, Spice, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate) Ruffle's All-Dressed- Specially Selected Potatoes, Vegetable Oil, Seasoning (Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar, Salt, Sodium Acetate, Dextrose, Torula Yeast, Acetic Acid, Monosodium Glutamate [MSG], Rice Flour, Spices, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Onion, Malic Acid, Natural Flavour), Salt Did any of the ingredients in your favourite candy surprise you?

GMO-Free Halloween Project

This Halloween I am beginning a project, in hopes of less candy going out to our children that contains GMOs. The safety of GMOs have not been proven, and they are not labelled on products in Canada and the United States. Some of us might feel like Halloween is one time of year where it is impossible to avoid them, but I have put together some resources here to help people find alternatives to the typical GMO-rich candy favourites they might normally hand out. Feel free to spread the word, and ask your friends and family to pledge to go GMO-Free, or to use some of the 'printable' pages to help raise awareness this Halloween. More information about GMOs can be found on the GMO-Free Halloween Project Facebook page.

Just some forewarning, some of these options are hard to come by in Canada, unless you pay a lot for shipping, or have friends who are willing to pick some up and send it to you. I will try to be clear about what is available where, and to make mention of high shipping prices where they exist. There are some easily available, from stores, options in Canada as well, more toward the end of the list.

Equal Exchange

Equal Exchange's Organic Chocolate Minis are the perfect size to hand out on Halloween, and they do not contain any GMOs. They are available more easily in the US, and can be bought from their website and Natural Candy Store, and some of your local shops could potentially carry them. You can also buy them from Natural Candy Store if you live in Canada, but you will be subject to some hefty shipping charges.

Endangered Species

Endangered Species Organic Bug Bites, Dark Chocolate Halloween Squares and Organic Chimp Mints are Non-GMO Project verified chocolates that are great for trick-or-treating. Again, these are more easily come by in the United States, and can be ordered from their website, Amazon, and Natural Candy Store, and they may be available in some local stores. These can also order these online if you live in Canada, but the shipping is, unfortunately, expensive to the Great White North. *Please note that not all of their products are non-GMO verified, so look for the seal.

Unreal

Unreal makes non-GMO, real food alternatives to some of your favourite chocolate. They've remade Snickers, Mars Bar/Milky Way, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Smarties, and M&Ms. Their candy is available in over 30,000 stores across the US, or you can order it online from Amazon. To you folks in Canada, you unfortunately won't be able to purchase any unless you have friends in the US who like you a lot. I'm sure hoping I do haha!

Justin's

Justin's makes a 10-count bag of individually wrapped peanut butter cups, which are GMO-Free, certified organic candy that you can feel confident handing out this year. They are available nation-wide at Whole Foods during the month of October. You can also buy the single serving bags online at Amazon here, or here, and at Natural Candy Store. Available only online to Canadians, if you don't mind paying lots for shipping.

Sun Cups

Sun Cups are definitely worth a mention here, as they are nut free, gluten free, and Non-GMO-Project Verified. You can use their store locator to find a store near you, or you can purchase them online from their website or Natural Candy Store. Sorry, my fellow Canadians, you cannot get these either unless, again, you don't mind paying for shipping.

Beanito's

Beanito's Bean Chips cover two of my top priorities in buying chips - they are Non-GMO Project Verified, as well as MSG free. They have a store locator, with which you can find a store near you to buy some, or you can get 24 packs of the 1.5oz snack-sized bags online from Amazon or Snack Aisle. These, to my knowledge, are only available in the United States.

Garden of Eatin'

Garden of Eatin' makes organic, and often Non-GMO Project Verified products. They have 1.5oz snack sized bags available online at their store here, and here, as well as on Snack Aisle and Amazon. I know that Garden of Eatin' chips are purchasable in stores in Canada, though am not sure if they will be selling snack sized bags around Halloween. You can also purchase them online, but with high shipping prices as usual. United States residents can also check local retailers for these chips.

Plocky's

Plocky's makes GMO-Free hummus chips in 1oz bags, perfect for handing out. You can go to their website to find stores near you, or they can be bought online from Avacobella, Amazon, and Snack Aisle. Canadians are, unfortunately, not able to purchase these unless they pay lots of shipping. Not sure what shipping charges are like on Avacobella, though.

Pure Fun

Pure Fun makes lots of little GMO-Free candies and suckers/pops that would be perfect for trick-or-treaters. You can find a list of distributors in the United States and Canada here, and these candies can also be purchased online from Amazon or Candy Connexion.

Yummy Earth Organics

Yummy Earth Organics makes GMO-Free lollipops that the ghouls on your doorstep are sure to love finding amongst their treats. You can shop locally at the stores listed here, or they can be bought online from their website, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, iHerb, Lucky Vitamin, DrugStore.com, and Well.ca. Not all of the candy by Yummy Earth Organics will be non-GMO, so I recommend and urge you to check the ingredients list on the product you are wanting to buy from them to double check. Well.ca has free shipping on orders over $25 (not sure if this applies to residents of the United States).

Surf Sweets

Surf Sweets makes organic, and some Non-GMO Project Verified, candy snack packs, which would be easy to hand out on Halloween. These treats can be found in the stores listed here, as well as online from the sites listed here. Surf Sweets are available online in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Glee Gum

I used to love chicklets as a kid, so was delighted to find a Non-GMO Project Verified alternative to an old favourite. They make a mini-pack variety that is perfect for Halloween. Widely available for purchase in-store in both Canada and the US, as well as purchasable online from their website, Amazon, and Well.ca.

Nature's Path

If you're looking for a slightly healthier option to hand out this year, why not try Nature's Path granola bars? Their bars are at least certified organic, if not Non-GMO Project Verified. Find retailers in the United States here, and retailers in Canada here, or you can shop online from their website, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and Well.ca.

Glutino

Glutino is a gluten-free company who also makes some organic and Non-GMO Project Verified products, as well as some non-GMO products that are in the process of being verified. A list can be found here. Their Pretzel Snack Packs, Breakfast Bars, and Organic Bars would make great, somewhat healthy, non-GMO alternatives for Halloween hand-outs. Glutino products are widely available in-store across Canada and the United States, as well as online at Well.ca, Amazon.ca, and Amazon.com.

Annie's Homegrown

Annie's makes Non-GMO Project Verified fruit snacks, as well as certified organic Orchard Fruit Bites and granola bars (that I also believe to be non-GMO, just not verified), that are also some 'non-candy' alternatives for trick-or-treaters. These products can be purchased in many major retailers in both Canada and the United states, as well as on Vine, Amazon.com, and Well.ca.


Are there a lot more non-GMO options than you thought there would be!?

Natural Measles Infection

I don't think there is any disease that is currently more publicized than the Measles. What was once considered an inevitable rite of passage for children [1, 3] is now causing some parents to panic at the possibility of their child contracting it. I don't think fear does any good for anyone, so I thought it might be helpful to provide some information and resources regarding Measles infection so it could help some parents feel a little more acquainted. This post was not planned to be about vaccines, nor contain information about the MMR. I am sorry for any inconvenience or confusion this may cause anyone. The reason it does not, is that I feel this information is useful and important for all parents, regardless of whether or not they vaccinate. I offer this information without my interpretation attached - it is up to you to decide how you feel about this illness, and what steps, if any, you would like to take to prevent it.

Clinical Features

Measles is highly contagious, infecting about 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to it [1-3], and is primarily contracted when a person comes into contact with oral or nasal secretions of a contagious individual. Communicability begins several days before, and continues several days after the rash appears, but Measles is not contagious once the rash begins to go away. Once exposure has occurred, there is a 7-14 day incubation period before the initial symptoms of fever, hacking cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink-eye) appear. The distinctive Koplik's spots will appear 2-4 days later, which will be followed by the rash by 1-2 days. [2, 3]

Measles rash is flat and red, with groups of small bumps. It begins on the face, usually in front of and below the ears, and on the side of the neck, first as discolouration, and soon mixed with groups of small, solid elevations. Within a day or two, the rash begins to spread to the trunk and then to the lower limbs.  During peak severity, which is usually the first day or two of the rash, the patient's body temperature may exceed 104°F (40°C), with puffy/swollen eyes, conjunctivitis, sensitivity to light (photophobia), a hacking cough, extensive rash, exhaustion, and mild itching. Within 3-5 days, the fever will fall and the patient will feel more comfortable with their rash fading quickly. Sometimes, after the rash fades, there will be some peeling of the affected areas, which may go unnoticed in children who are bathed daily. [2, 3] Contracting the Measles naturally will usually result in life-long immunity [1-3].

Complications

Here are the approximate risks of Measles complications, as per the CDC [1]. These statistics were based on surveillance data collected between 1985-1992:

Diarrhea - 8%
Otitis media - 7%
Pneumonia - 6%
Encephalitis - 0.1%
Seizures - 0.6-0.7%
Death - 0.2%

Between 1987 and 2000 in the United States, there were 67,032 reported cases of the Measles (with age information available), and of those confirmed cases, 19,480 (29%) had at least one complication.

12, 876 (19.2%) were hospitalized,
5482 (8.2%) had diarrhea,
4879 (7.3%) had Otitis Media (ear infection),
3959 (5.9%) had pneumonia,
177 (0.3%) died, and
97 (0.1%) had encephalitis [3]

About 25% of Measles cases with encephalitis will result in some form of long-term neurologic damage, which ends up being about 0.025% of all Measles cases. [1] Postinfectious encephalomyelitis (PIE) occurs in about 0.1%-0.3% of all infected persons. As many as 25% of people with PIE as a result of Measles will die, and roughly 33% of survivors will have life-long neurological complications including severe retardation, motor impairment, blindness and sometimes  hemiparesis (muscle weakness due to nerve damage). [3] This means that about 0.05% of all Measles infections will result in long-term complications.

This is the number of reported cases of the Measles, as well as the number of reported Measles deaths, per year between 1968-2010:

In total, there were 514,719 reported cases of Measles, and 548 reported deaths, which is a case-fatality rate of about 0.11% [4-8]. I was also trying very hard to find reported data on measles complications between 1980 (or earlier if possible) and 2010 so I could list those rates here, as well, but I was unable to find them. If someone else knows where I could find the actual historical statistics regarding reported Measles complications, it would be quite appreciated if you could post it in the comments.

Who is at Increased Risk for Complications?

There are a few subsets of the population that are at greater risk for serious complications from the Measles. Children under 5 years old, adults over 20, certain immunocompromised people, individuals deficient in Vitamin A, people who are malnourished, and pregnant women are all at a higher risk for severe complications. [1, 3]

Children Under 5 are more likely to have diarrhea, ear infections, encephalitis, or pneumonia, and are more likely to require hospitalization or die as a result of the Measles than children over 5 years of age. [1, 3] Babies born to mothers who are HIV-positive become susceptible to Measles earlier than babies born to HIV-negative women. [3]

Adults over 20 have a higher chance, due most likely to the decline in cell-mediated immunity that begins in adulthood, to suffer from encephalitis, hepatitis, low calcium, or pancreatitis after the Measles. [3] Adults are also at an increased risk of pneumonia and hospitalization. [1]

People who have HIV, AIDS, congenital immunodeficiency, lymphoma, and Leukemia are at a higher risk for severe Measles complications such as encephalitis and pneumonia, are more likely to require hospitalization, and are more likely to die than immunocompetent people. [1, 3] "Suppression of lymphocyte function, resulting from congenital defects in T lymphocyte function, bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy for cancer, or immunosuppressive doses of steroids, is associated with increased severity of measles." [3]

Some immune compromised populations, such as children with defects in macrophage function only, or patients with B cell immune deficiency syndromes without T cell abnormalities, do not appear to be at a higher risk for Measles complications. [3]

Vitamin A Deficiency leads to increased risk of complications, and increased case-fatality rates. It makes one more inclined to severe corneal inflammation (Keratitis), corneal scarring, and blindness, as well as pneumonia and diarrhea from the Measles. Malnourishment also leads to higher case-fatality rates, and Measles can actually contribute to the development of malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency. [2, 3]

Pregnant women have an increased risk of preterm labour, miscarriage, and low birth-weight infants, as well as an increased risk of maternal death from Measles infection during pregnancy. [1, 3]

Diagnosis and Treatment

Measles can be clinically diagnosed by identification of the Koplik's Spots or the rash, and can be confirmed by laboratory diagnosis through serologic testing or viral detection using a culture or reverse transcription-PCR of throat swabs, blood, or urine samples. [1, 2]

Treatment for the Measles is mostly supportive, meaning focuses on maintaining the comfort of the patient rather than a treatment to cure the underlying illness. However, Vitamin A therapy is also recommended for all children who have the Measles, because it has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the infection. [2, 3] An oral dose is recommended once per day for two days, dependent upon the child's age:

< 6 months of age - 50,000 IU
6 months to 11 months - 100,000 IU
> 1 year of age - 200,000 IU [2]

Other Information of Interest

"An infant whose mother has had measles receives antibodies transplacentally; these antibodies are protective for most of the first 6 to 12 mo of life. Lifelong immunity is conferred by infection." [2]

"Before the introduction of measles vaccines, measles virus infected 95%–98% of children by age 18 years, and measles was considered an inevitable rite of passage. Exposure was often actively sought for children in early school years because of the greater severity of measles in adults." [3]

"Measles case-fatality rates have declined in association with economic development and associated decreased crowding, older age at infection, improved nutrition, and treatment for secondary pneumonia." [3]

"In New York State, measles mortality decreased by >15-fold long before the introduction of measles vaccination (figure 2)." [3]

"High case-fatality rates in developing countries are due to a young age at infection, crowding, underlying immune deficiency disorders, vitamin A deficiency, and lack of access to medical care." [3]

"In countries with high measles mortality, treatment with vitamin A once daily for 2 days (200,000 IU for children 12 months of age or 100,000 IU for infants ≥12 months) is associated with an ∼50% reduction in mortality. The World Health Organization recommends vitamin A therapy for all children with measles. For hospitalized children <2 years old with measles in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a single dose of vitamin A (200,000 IU for children ≥12 months; 100,000 IU for those <12 months." [3]

"The source of almost half of the measles importations in 2011 was the WHO European Region, which reported >30,000 cases of measles, including 27 cases of measles encephalitis, a complication that often results in permanent neurologic sequelae, and eight measles-related deaths in 2011." [9]

"Among the 70 (32%) measles patients who were hospitalized [during 2011 in the US], 17 (24%) had diarrhea, 15 (21%) were dehydrated, and 12 (17%) had pneumonia. No cases of encephalitis and no deaths were reported." [9; clarification mine]In the first 19 weeks of 2011 in the United States, there were 118 reported cases of Measles. 47 (40%) of the affected people were hospitalized,  and 9 (7.6%) had pneumonia, but there were no reports of encephalitis or death. [10]

WHO European Region saw a total of 32, 480 cases of Measles in 2010. There were 21, 877 (67.4%) hospitalizations, and 21 (0.06%) deaths reported. [11]

Between 2008-2011, France saw >20,000 cases of Measles. Almost 5,000 (~25%) of the affected were hospitalized, including 1,023 (~5.1%) for severe pneumonia, and 27 (~0.1%) for encephalitis/myelitis. There were 10 (~0.05%) deaths reported. [12]

Disclaimer

This information is presented and offered irrespective to your stance on vaccines, and is intended neither to persuade anyone to change their decision, nor fuel a vaccine debate. Parents, whether they vaccinate or not, should know what this disease looks like, know the risks of it, how to care for it, and when to seek help for it. If anyone wishes to add onto the information provided here, you may feel free to do so in the comments. Please make sure your information includes citations, and is not posted with the intention of debating or attacking someone else.

The information contained within this post is not intended as diagnosis or medical advice. If you think you or your child has the Measles, please seek the advice of your health care provider.

References

[1] CDC Pink Book - Measles
[2] Merck Manual - Measles
[3] The Clinical Significance of Measles: A Review; Robert T. Perry, Neal A. Halsey 2004
[4] CDC MMWR Vol. 48, No 53 - Summary of Notifiable Diseases - United States, 1999
[5] CDC MMWR Vol. 60, No. 53 - Summary of Notifiable Diseases - United States, 2011
[6] CDC Compressed Mortality File, 1968-1978
[7] CDC Compressed Mortality File, 1979-1998
[8] CDC Compressed Mortality File, 1999-2010
[9] CDC MMWR Measles - United States, 2011
[10] Measles - United States, January-May 20, 2011. MMWR 2011 May 27;60(20):666-8.
[11] ECDC Annual Epidemiological Report - Reporting on 2010 Surveillance Data and 2011 Epidemic Intelligence Data, 2012. Pages 195-196
[12] Measles Elimination Efforts and 2008-2011 Outbreak, France. Emerg Infect Dis. 2013 March; 19(3): 357–364.