Police in Upstate New York are investigating a report of a needle allegedly found in Halloween candy.
WRGB reports the Scotia Police Department said it received “an isolated report of a foreign object” found in a piece of candy collected during trick-or-treating on Friday, Oct. 31. A local parent said on social media they discovered a small sewing needle while inspecting their child’s candy.
No injuries have been reported.
Police did not specify what type of candy was allegedly tampered with or where it may have been collected.
Authorities said there is no evidence of a wider threat to the community in Scotia, located about 16 miles outside of Albany. WRGB reports police are examining the candy and following up on all available information to determine how the incident may have occurred.
Police encourage parents to follow safety precautions and inspect Halloween candy wrappers and contents for possible signs of tampering. If any candy is suspected to be tainted, parents should contact police and not let their children eat it.
Most tales of Halloween candy being poisoned, drugged or stuffed with razor blades and needles are a myth — largely related to fears of Tylenol poisonings in the 1980s — but authorities still regularly advise parents to check their children’s candy. Warning signs of sweets tainted or laced with drugs include an unusual appearance or any discoloration; tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers; unwrapped items; and homemade items or baked goods (unless you personally know who handed them out).
Past reports of issues have included a razor blade allegedly found in Chenango County last year, marijuana edibles allegedly given to a child while trick-or-treating in St. Lawrence County in 2023, and nails allegedly found in candy bars in Watertown in 2020.
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