As October 31st approaches, law enforcement officials in Michigan and Arkansas are warning that they’re about to be overwhelmed. THC laced candy, for example, but their packaging may resemble familiar treats, making them accidental peril. John Gajewski, the public information officer for the Warren Police Department in Michigan, emphasized the importance of vigilance among parents and caregivers during this festive season.
Gajewski warned against eating any candy or treats that are unwrapped and from someone you don’t know well. He emphasized parents should pay attention to packaging that may have warning labels as well as look for any signs of tampering. “Look for unusual symbols, unusual odors, anything that may indicate this isn’t normal,” he stated.
As such, the Warren Police Department seized a large quantity of counterfeit candy and snacks alongside a search warrant conducted at a local residence. This shocking revelation has galvanized the community into action. Gajewski warned about the possible danger these items can present to kids while out trick-or-treating. While there is certainly no proof they were intended for Halloween passing out, safety is paramount.
We thought to ourselves, ‘Wow, if a group of trained investigators looked at this and didn’t pay any attention, what’s your average kid gonna do on Halloween?’ he remarked. The department’s goal is to continue to raise awareness on the dangers and risks associated with these products.
In Arkansas, state officials echo similar concerns. David Potter, the regulatory enforcement director for Arkansas Tobacco Control, urged parents and caregivers to examine candy packaging closely for any signs of counterfeit products. He noted ongoing conversations in the state legislature regarding regulations on THC products and their sale. He further explained how legality and enforcement can vary wildly all over the United States.
Even the Ferrara Candy Company weighed in on the matter. They should care about food companies using their candy packaging imagery on unregulated products. “We are deeply concerned that our candy packaging imagery or deceitful lookalike logos are being used intentionally or otherwise on unregulated products that have been demonstrated to be unsafe for children,” they stated.
“As Halloween approaches, both Gajewski and Potter are committed to ensuring the safety of children and families during this holiday. “And we just felt we wanted to get this message out there to parents and children to be vigilant this Halloween season,” Gajewski concluded.
