Halloween candy tampered with? Needles, other trick-or-treating scares reported in 5 states
Michelle, an Ohio State University graduate, has spent over six years focusing on community issues in Cleveland, including social justice and local initiatives. She has previously written for NPR's local affiliates, where she honed her storytelling skills to highlight diverse community voices.
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Several instances of Halloween candy being tampered with have been reported in multiple five states across the U.S. for the 2026 holiday.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 after trick-or-treating. Police say any sweets that are unwrapped or appear damaged should be disposed of or reported.