How Often Does Candy Tampering Really Happen on Halloween?
The answer? Not very often. In fact, until 2000 there hadn’t been a single proven incident in which a child was harmed by contaminated Halloween candy from strangers.
Despite the lack of evidence, parents still sometimes panic over candy that looks strange. Usually the appearance is due to variations in the manufacturing process or in storage. Chocolate can appear gray when the candy has been exposed to too much heat or moisture (See Why does chocolate turn gray sometimes?). The white powder that sometimes appears on the surface of candy is often sugar, salt, or cornstarch that wasn’t completely sifted off during manufacturing.
This isn’t to say parents shouldn’t be vigilant and inspect their child’s candy when they get home and throw away anything they feel is suspicious.
- Wikipedia: Candy scare
- Snopes.com: Halloween Poisonings
- Halloween Safety Guide
- Halloween Safety Tips
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POSTED IN: Chocolate, Chocolate History
4 opinions for How Often Does Candy Tampering Really Happen on Halloween?
Julie
Oct 30, 2007 at 9:25 am
You know, that is so nice to hear. I was thinking about this the other day.
My kids were telling me that they were told NOT to take stickers from anyone when they go trick or treating because people are lacing them with drugs. We always get stickers in their Halloween bags. I was wondering if that was really true or not.
Chef Jules
Oct 30, 2007 at 10:37 am
Hi Heather! Didn’t know about the stickers, but find it sad, this candy tampering — even if it is an isolated incident. I’m not allowing my niece to go trick or treating tomorrow night. Instead I’m having a small party for her and a few other kids here at home. There will be lots of goodies and leftovers because *ssssshh* I’m very much into candy myself. :)
Let’s hope it’s a fun and safe Halloween for All!
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