The bags of Halloween candy are probably sitting on a counter or a coffee table right now, and the kids are asking for one more piece. Before another wrapper gets opened, police in New Jersey and federal health officials have a message for parents about what to look at first.
The warning grew out of a drug seizure in September. New Jersey police seized tablets that were marketed as ecstasy but tested positive for methamphetamine, according to a New Jersey State Police report that ABC News obtained.
Source: Good Morning America.
Some Of The Seized Pills Were Pressed Into Cartoon Characters
The report says some of the tablets were pressed into cartoon-character shapes or stamped with popular insignias. Others were dyed bright colors to pass for candy or vitamins.
Police said that could make it hard for children, and for parents, to tell the pills apart from harmless treats.
The seizure happened in September and was not linked to Halloween or to any reports of drugs being handed out to trick-or-treaters. Still, police said the possibility of accidental exposure was enough reason to stay watchful. Officials also describe cases of Halloween candy tampering as rare.
What Police And The FDA Want You To Look For
Authorities are asking parents to go through their children’s hauls and watch for the following:
- Misspelled brand names on a wrapper
- Unbranded packaging
- Anything that looks unusual or comes unwrapped
- Loose tablets, powders or bright substances that do not look like typical treats
The FDA recommends checking commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as tears, holes or other damage to the packaging.
The House Rule That Makes Everything Easier
The simplest tip in the guidance is also the easiest to follow: have kids wait until they get home so an adult can look over the treats first.
Even for families who already do that, the advice is useful for the days afterward, when kids start digging into the leftover pile. A few more habits worth building:
- Talk to your kids. Tell them not to eat anything they find on the ground or get from an unfamiliar source without checking with a trusted adult.
- Watch for choking hazards. Hard candy, gum and small treats can be risky for younger children.
- Sort the haul together. Set aside anything that looks odd and let your child help, which turns a safety check into a game.
A Smart Way To Sort The Haul, Step By Step
If you never got around to a full inspection on Halloween night, it is not too late. Here is a simple routine you can finish in about ten minutes:
- Dump the whole bag onto a clean table or a baking sheet where nothing can roll away.
- Pull out anything without a wrapper, anything in a torn or loose wrapper, and anything homemade that you cannot trace to a neighbor you know.
- Read the labels on what is left, especially if anyone in the house has a food allergy, since fun-size bars can have different ingredients than the full-size versions.
- Set aside small hard candies and gum for the youngest children, who can choke on them, and hand those out only to older kids.
- Store the keepers in one container so you can see exactly how much is left.
Making the check a regular family tradition helps too. Kids who see their parents look closely at the wrappers every year learn the habit without a lecture, and they will be more likely to speak up one day when something does not look right.
The reminder to talk about unfamiliar items is worth repeating with older children and teens, who may be walking around with friends and snacking along the way. A short chat before they leave the house, and the same rule that any strange item gets shown to a trusted adult, costs nothing and could prevent a scary moment.
If You Find Something Suspicious, Here Is Exactly What To Do
If a piece of candy looks wrong, keep it away from children and avoid tasting or handling it any more than you have to. If you suspect illegal drugs, contact local law enforcement.
If a child may have swallowed something they should not have, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if the child is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure.
Keep that Poison Control number somewhere you can find it quickly. Many families save it in their phone contacts or tape it inside a kitchen cabinet, which is a smart habit all year round, not only in October.
What To Do With The Candy Mountain Now
With the trick-or-treating done, many households have far more sweets than anybody needs. A few ways to clear the pile while staying safe:
- Pick a daily limit. One or two pieces after dinner stretches the haul without a sugar crash.
- Keep it out of sight. A high shelf or a closed pantry cuts down on the begging.
- Donate sealed, commercially wrapped candy. Some dentists, schools and community groups collect leftover candy, so it is worth calling ahead.
- Save a few for baking. Chopped chocolate bars work well in cookies and holiday treats.
The takeaway from police is not to panic. Most Halloween candy is exactly what it looks like. A calm look at the wrappers, a few simple rules for the kids and a phone number in your pocket are all it takes to keep the fun going and your family safe until the last piece is gone.
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