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• 💪 Wellness News: Local Dentist Shares Tips to Keep Kids' Teeth Healthy This Halloween
• ⚠️ Health Alert: Weekly U.S. Food Recall & Safety Roundup
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Halloween candy does not have to lead to dental problems, according to Dr. Matthew Ricke of Lake Boone Dentistry in Raleigh. He encourages families to focus on moderation, smart candy choices and consistent oral hygiene habits. Sticky candies such as caramel, taffy and gummies can cling to teeth, while sour candies contain acids that may weaken enamel. Plain chocolate is generally a better option because it clears from the mouth more easily.

Not all Halloween candy affects teeth in the same way.

According to Dr. Ricke, sticky and sour candies are among the most concerning choices because they can remain on teeth longer or expose enamel to high levels of acidity.

Higher-Risk Treats: Gummies, Caramel, Taffy and Sour Candy

Sticky candy can cling to teeth and be difficult to remove, while sour candy contains acids that can weaken tooth enamel.

A Better Option: Plain Chocolate

Plain chocolate generally melts and clears from the mouth more easily than sticky candy, making it a more tooth-friendly choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Although chocolate still contains sugar, it is less likely to remain stuck between teeth for extended periods.

Dr. Ricke recommends letting children enjoy Halloween candy shortly after a meal rather than repeatedly snacking on it throughout the day.

Each time someone consumes sugar, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that can attack tooth enamel.

These acidic conditions may persist for approximately 20 to 30 minutes after eating.

Frequent snacking creates repeated periods of acid exposure, increasing the potential for tooth decay.

Eating a reasonable portion of candy after a meal can help reduce the number of times teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day.

Good oral hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to protect children's teeth during Halloween.

Dr. Ricke recommends brushing twice daily for two minutes and flossing at least once a day.

Brushing before bedtime is particularly important because food particles and sugar can remain on teeth overnight.

Children who eat sour candy should rinse their mouths with water afterward and wait approximately 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.

Brushing immediately after consuming highly acidic candy may contribute to enamel wear.

Parents should also help younger children brush until they develop the coordination needed to clean their teeth thoroughly, typically around ages seven or eight.

Instead of allowing unlimited access to a large candy collection, Dr. Ricke suggests helping children manage their treats.

Parents can encourage children to select their favorites, establish reasonable portions and set limits on how frequently candy is eaten.

Extra candy can also be donated through appropriate community programs.

These approaches allow children to participate in Halloween traditions while developing healthier habits around sweets.

Dr. Ricke encourages parents to make brushing and flossing enjoyable rather than treating them as chores.

Families can brush together, use a two-minute timer or play a favorite song while children clean their teeth.

Younger children often learn by observing adults, so consistent family routines can help reinforce healthy habits.

Regular dental examinations and cleanings are also important for identifying potential problems early.

For more information, visit Lake Boone Dentistry.

Bottom line upfront: The most serious new federal food-safety warning involves cold-smoked fish that may pose a botulism risk. On October 23, FDA warned consumers not to eat Haifa Smoked Fish sprats after discovering inadequate safety controls. The company declined FDA's recommendation to recall the products. Meanwhile, more than 44,000 cans of Great Value fruit cocktail sold at Walmart have been recalled over potential lead contamination, and USDA announced a recall of beef jerky produced without federal inspection.

For North Carolina readers, an ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to Virginia oysters distributed in NC deserves particular attention. The outbreak has caused 27 illnesses across 12 states, including five hospitalizations and no deaths. The federal oyster advisory was issued October 19, just before this reporting period, but remains actionable.

Products: All lots of cold-smoked sprats sold by D&M Smoked Fish, doing business as Haifa Smoked Fish. Products were shipped refrigerated in bulk cardboard boxes and may have been sold at seafood counters without individual labels.

Hazard: Potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism.

Major October 23 update: FDA inspectors discovered that the company was producing cold-smoked sprats without required controls to prevent bacterial growth and toxin formation. FDA recommended recalling all affected products, but the company declined.

Distribution: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, with possible distribution to additional states.

Illnesses: FDA's advisory does not provide a confirmed illness or death count.

Consumer guidance: Do not eat the affected fish. Discard it if its origin cannot be confirmed. Clean and sanitize surfaces it contacted. Botulism is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness or breathing problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Source: FDA October 23 safety alert. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Product: Great Value Fruit Cocktail in Fruit Juice from Concentrate, 15-ounce cans.

Affected identification: UPC 078742369570, lot 6FCB 04 C2263, Best If Used By September 1, 2027.

Hazard: Potential contamination with elevated levels of lead.

Recall quantity: 1,836 cases containing 24 cans each, totaling 44,064 cans.

Federal update: Pacific Coast Producers initiated the recall October 1. FDA classified it as Class II on October 20, and the recall received widespread public attention during this reporting week.

Distribution: Walmart stores in Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyoming.

Illnesses: No illnesses were identified in the available recall reporting.

Consumer guidance: Do not consume affected canned fruit. Discard it or return it to Walmart. Lead exposure is especially concerning for young children and pregnant women.

Source: FDA enforcement recall record H-0167-2027. Recall Canary

Product: Natural Grocers Brand Organic Mung Beans, two-pound clear plastic bags.

Affected identification: UPC 000080112600, pack dates 26-160, 26-173, 26-196, 26-224 and 26-258.

Hazard: Possible contamination with sharp glass fragments. The company initiated the recall after receiving customer complaints about glass in the product.

Distribution: Natural Grocers stores in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Recall announced: October 22, 2026.

Illnesses or injuries: None reported.

Consumer guidance: Stop using affected mung beans immediately. Discard them or return them for a full refund or credit. Glass fragments can cause dental damage, cuts to the mouth and throat, or intestinal injury.

Source: FDA October 22 recall notice. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Agency: USDA FSIS.

Products: Approximately 946 pounds of ready-to-eat beef jerky sold in two-ounce packages under three varieties: Imperio Fuego, Imperio Original and Imperio Limón Beef Jerky (Carne Seca).

Affected identification: Products packaged between January and October 2026 bearing the unauthorized USDA establishment number 1885.

Hazard: Products were manufactured without required federal inspection and carried an unauthorized USDA inspection mark. FSIS could not verify that required food-safety standards had been met.

Recall announced: October 24, 2026.

Distribution: Retail locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Illnesses or injuries: None confirmed.

Consumer guidance: Do not eat the recalled jerky. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase.

Source: USDA FSIS Recall 027-2026. Food Safety News

Product: WinCo Foods Hoagie Rolls, 16-ounce packages.

Affected identification: UPC 2-70552-00649-2, Best By dates September 10–November 3, 2026.

Hazard: Undeclared sesame flour, which may cause serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in people with sesame allergies.

Distribution: WinCo Foods stores in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Recall announced: October 22, 2026.

Illnesses: None reported.

Consumer guidance: People with sesame allergies or sensitivities should not eat the recalled rolls. Return affected packages to any WinCo Foods location for a refund.

Source: FDA October 22 recall notice. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Products: Whole, in-shell oysters harvested from the Little Wicomico River and Little Wicomico River Lower growing areas in Virginia.

Affected identification: Dealer VA-1421-SP, harvest dates September 18–October 8, 2026.

Hazard: Salmonella Telelkebir.

Outbreak: 27 illnesses across 12 states, 5 hospitalizations and no deaths.

Distribution: Restaurants and retailers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

Federal advisory: October 19, 2026. The company originally recalled the affected oysters October 9.

Consumer guidance: Do not eat, sell or serve recalled oysters. Discard or return them and thoroughly clean surfaces and containers they contacted. Consumers experiencing severe diarrhea, fever or dehydration should contact a healthcare provider.

Source: FDA oyster safety alert · CDC outbreak investigation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA's latest outbreak investigation update includes several developments:

Salmonella Newport: The investigation increased from 116 to 119 illnesses, and the outbreak has ended. Investigators did not publicly identify the responsible food.

Unidentified Listeria outbreak: FDA initiated additional inspection and sampling in an investigation involving 46 illnesses. The food source remains unidentified.

Separate Listeria investigation: An outbreak involving 11 illnesses has ended, although the investigation remains listed as active.

E. coli linked to chicken wraps: The investigation continues with 50 illnesses. No specific brand or retailer has been publicly identified.

Because no specific products have been named in these investigations, there is currently no new product-specific consumer action.

References:
FDA Recall Dashboard
USDA FSIS Recall Alerts
CDC Foodborne Outbreak Investigations

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Wednesday: Mahjong 101 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Wednesday: The Spider Labyrinth 7PM-9PM
• Wednesday: Carolina Dance Theater presents Giselle 7PM-8:15PM
• Thursday: Move Green: Exploring Sustainable Mobility in Cary 9:30AM-12PM
• Thursday: Live at Lunch: Mysti Mayhem 11:30AM-1:30PM
• Thursday: Cary Police Department Trunk or Treat 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: PONDER Program: Spooky Season 10:30AM-12PM
• Friday: Blood on the Clock Tower 6PM-10PM
• Friday: Neon Nightmares Yoga 7PM-8PM
• Friday: Cary Town Band presents Frightful Friday 7:30PM-9PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Halloween Part at the Cary VFW 6PM-9:30PM
• Saturday: The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Movie Party 8PM
• Sunday: Tricks & Treats: Dog Training 2PM-3PM
• Sunday: Triangle Wind Ensemble 4PM-5:30PM
• Monday: Drop-in Puzzling and Puzzle Swap Meet 1PM-7PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar