Raw chicken foot Halloween trick potentially dangerous

Mason County Public Health is monitoring a Halloween “trick” that could potentially sicken children with salmonella.

The Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp Kids Haunted Halloween event Oct. 26 provided candy treats, but an individual at one cabin also gave away real chicken feet as a trick, according to MCPH.

Many participants thought the chicken feet were rubber “so extensive handling by some of the recipients did take place,” MCPH said in a statement.

No illnesses have been reported as of Oct. 28, according to the county.

“The chicken feet were purchased frozen from a local grocery store. No cooking or boiling took place after purchase. Chicken feet are scalded by manufacturer prior to packaging, but this is not a cooked product,” according to MCPH.

Health officials urged anyone attending the event to throw out all candy that could have been in contact with a chicken foot and clean or throw out trick or treat bags and clean costumes, masks or gloves that may have touched the feet.

Salmonella contamination could happen through direct contact with hands and with other candy in bags.

“If you did not receive a chicken foot, there is still a risk that cross contamination occurred with candy received by others,” the public health announcement states.

Symptoms of eating food contaminated by salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after infection but for some, symptoms don’t develop for several weeks, according to the statement.

“We have been working with Mason County Public Health and Human Services regarding the chicken feet,” Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp said in a statement on its Facebook page.

“We sincerely apologize to anyone who attended the Kids Haunted Panhandle Halloween Event and was affected by an unfortunate incident. Some kids received a raw chicken foot as a ‘trick’ from an individual at the event, not a member of the Panhandle Board. We understand how disappointing this must be after all the fun of the event,” according to the statement.

Camp officials emphasized that the feet were scalded, which “almost completely” eliminates the risk of salmonella and E. coli, they said.

“Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to check their kids’ bags before diving into their treats. For those impacted, we’d be happy to offer replacement treats to help make up for this mishap,” according to the post.

“Our goal was to create a fun and safe community experience, and we’re truly sorry for any distress this caused. Let’s work together to ensure our events are enjoyable for everyone! Thank you for your understanding,” the post states.