UTAH

Drugs and razors in Halloween candy, fact or urban myth?

Oct 31, 2023, 4:03 PM

Image of a child in costume holding a plastic pumpkin dish filled with Halloween candy. Concern for...

(iStock photos) Some of America’s affluent aren’t so keen on handing out candy to kids from poorer neighborhoods this Halloween.

(iStock photos)

SALT LAKE CITY — Each year you’ll hear the warnings — check all the candy your kids get for Halloween before they eat it because it might be tainted with drugs or a razor blade.

But it’s an unneeded warning, said Sgt. Greg Moffit with Sandy Police. He said the concern, while understandable, is based on myth.

“In 21 years have I ever seen it? No, I haven’t,” he told KSL NewsRadio.

That’s not to say tainted candy hasn’t ever been in the news. In 1974, Ronald Clark O’Bryan, a father in Texas, gave his son and several other children containers of Pixy Stix filled with potassium cyanide. The candy killed his son.

That was nearly 40 years ago. 

Fast forward to today. The modern concern is that boxed Halloween candy might actually be an illicit drug like fentanyl. 

This may further put parents at ease — in an interview with ABC News, a medical toxicologist in New York said that drug dealers aren’t interested in handing out free “product.”

Another toxicologist interviewed by ABC News in Ohio agreed, saying there’s no evidence that drugs like fentanyl have been placed in Halloween candy.

What should concern some parents

Parents with kids who have allergies do have cause to be on the lookout.

“Probably not a bad idea to go through and look at things especially if your kids have some sort of food allergy or a nut allergy,” Moffit said.

He said finding candy with a peanut is far more likely than finding drug-tainted candy.

And the other big item parents should be concerned about is their child’s visibility on the road. He said the probability of being hit by a car is twice as high on Halloween.

Other reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy was on display at two Walmarts in Utah Co...

ALEX CABRERO

National championship trophy on display at two Utah Walmart locations

The trophy is on a tour across America, visiting cities whose teams are currently ranked high enough to have a shot at winning it.

5 hours ago

A house fire took place on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024....

Jacob Freeman, KSL TV

Three firefighters injured in Riverton house fire

Multiple people were injured after a house fire started in Riverton on Saturday at 2 p.m.

8 hours ago

The Canyons School District said they have come up with new safety measures for Jordan High School ...

Clayre Scott

Canyons School District adds new safety measures to Jordan High School after student’s death

New safety measures were added to Jordan High School after a student was killed in the parking lot of the Mountain America Expo Center.

8 hours ago

FILE - A Granite School District Police vehicle....

Jacob Freeman, KSL TV

Racist graffiti appears in bathroom, on car at Skyline High

Racist graffiti was found at Skyline High School both in a bathroom and on a car outside of the school on Wednesday.

11 hours ago

The BYU vs. Utah football game is on Saturday. On the left: BYU head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Tickets will cost fans a pretty penny to be at the BYU vs. Utah football game

The BYU vs. Utah football game is on Saturday night and tickets are still available to those who want to go... for a large price.

11 hours ago

FILE - The Salt Lake City Fire Department responds to a fire. A Trolley Square house fire has displ...

Jacob Freeman, KSL TV

Two dogs rescued from Trolley Square house fire

Two people have been displaced after a Trolley Square house fire. Two dogs were also rescued from the fire on Saturday.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th...

Nightmare on 13th

Here’s why Nightmare on 13th is the best haunted house in Utah

Fall brings Halloween, and Halloween brings Haunted Houses. There’s no better Haunted House than Nightmare on 13th – here’s why!

USA, Utah, Bear Lake. The deep blue of Utah's Bear Lake contrasts with autumn foliage....

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Experience Bear Lake’s all-year activities

We break down Bear Lake's four-season recreational offerings so the whole family can enjoy their time there any time of the year.

Drugs and razors in Halloween candy, fact or urban myth?