Teal Is The New Orange This Halloween: Here's Why

The Teal Pumpkin Project has begun to help ensure that youngsters with food allergies have a fun and safe Halloween. Started by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), researchers are encouraging parents to place a teal-colored pumpkin outside the doorstep of their home as a sign that they're providing non-food treats for children who suffer from allergies, according to hamlethub.com.

Despite the fun and joy that candy brings for those on this fall holiday throughout the country, estimates also show that about 15 million Americans have food allergies. In other words, for some, this can mean that certain types of Hallown candies are actually dangerous.

"This campaign encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies by providing non-food treats for trick-or-treaters and painting a pumpkin teal - the color of food allergy awareness - to place in front of their house along with a free printable sign from FARE to indicate they have non-food treats available," added FARE officials. "The Teal Pumpkin Project is designed to promote safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies - and to keep Halloween a fun, positive experience for all."

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology further shows that about 5 percent of children under five years of age and 4 percent of kids between the ages of five to 17 are vulnerable to at least one food allergy.

Parents who think their child may have been exposed to something should look for the following symptoms: hives or a rash, swelling of the lips, tongue or face; issues with the digestive tract, including vomiting, nausea or diarrhea; and wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing.