Tampered treat reports likely a hoax

Did you check your kids’ Halloween candy? 

One reader sent InMaricopa a photo of a Reese’s peanut butter cup that had a nail hidden inside, reportedly given during trick-or-treating last night near Fry’s Marketplace. But Maricopa Police Department did not receive any reports about dangerous candy. 

“MPD has not received any reports of candy being tampered with,” said police spokesperson Monica Williams. 

Candy tampering is an “urban legend,” according to a report by NPR. The national network reported no children have been killed or seriously hurt by a tampered treat while trick-or-treating since the late 1950s. 

Despite the vanishingly low chance of trick-or-treaters receiving candy spiked with razors, poison or drugs, the fear remains fervent and crops up this time every single year. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration even gave parents a few tips as a precaution that remind parents to be vigilant during this time of the year. 

• Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home. 
• Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected. 
• Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers. 
• Throw away anything that looks suspicious.