BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Reports have been circulating about possible concerns with fentanyl getting into Halloween candy — many of them talking about a newer type of the drug called ‘rainbow fentanyl.’
Many posts on social media say rainbow fentanyl is being used to target children with its bright colors and shape, similar to certain candies, such as Nerds or Skittles.
“I would not say that at all — I think it’s just a different way to market your product. It’s just changing the color, and it’s a marketing ploy. So, I know if the orange ones are good or the blue ones are better, so they’ll seek out those specifically,” said Director of the Brown County Drug Task Force Matt Ronk.
What sounds like a parent’s worst nightmare, Ronk says not to worry.
“I think there’s always a risk, but it’s so incredibly low. I’m a parent, and I have no qualms about my children going trick-or-treating for Halloween.”
Grandparent Tom Edwardson says he did not check his kids’ candy when they were growing up.
“We pretty much took them to neighborhood places where we thought the candy would be fine.”
Edwardson says this issue has been around forever but used to be a lot different.
“They talked about razor blades being in apples and things like that. I never actually heard of it that happening to anyone — I dismissed it as an old wives’ tale.”
Another grandparent, Annette Morgen, says she also did not check her kids’ candy.
“Everything was safe then.”
But Morgen says hearing about rainbow fentanyl worries her about her grandchildren.
“I know my daughter is pretty good about checking over their candy and everything. I think it’s concerning.”
Ronk says instances of drugs getting into a trick-or-treat bag would most likely be an accident.
“If they give a child a candy bag and there was something in it, it would likely be completely inadvertent and nothing international.”
He says, although the issue is of minimal concern, to check your children’s candy and if you find something alarming, contact local law enforcement.
