An investigation into tainted candy on Halloween has Barrie police warning families in the city’s south end to double check their kids' treats.
A two-inch sewing needle was found in a chocolate bar by a concerned mother, who contacted Barrie police on Monday and made a Facebook post to warn others in her area.
"Late yesterday afternoon, Barrie police were contacted by a concerned homeowner after her child bit into a chocolate bar that contained the needle," police said in a news release, noting the child was not injured, "but the potential for injury was certainly a possibility."
Jessica Carole told BarrieToday she was shocked when her 12-year-old daughter showed her the needle sticking out of her Mr. Big candy bar.
“She came up to me and just showed me the chocolate bar," Carole said this afternoon. "I didn’t know what she was doing; maybe she thought it didn’t taste good.
“I looked closer and saw the sewing needle sticking out," Carole added. "I couldn’t believe it.”
The mother said her daughter felt the needle poke the inside of her mouth, but did not pierce the skin.
City police say their investigation is focused on an area near Madelaine Drive and Yonge Street, specifically Raymond Crescent and Serena Lane, as well as Danielle Crescent and Catherine Drive near Mapleview Drive and Country Lane.
Though an examination of the packaging, police say they could not determine if the needle was inserted prior to packaging or afterwards.
The mini chocolate bar was seized by police and the investigation is ongoing.
“Sometimes chocolate bars have odd shapes, but there was a spot that looked maybe like an opening, but again, it was too hard to tell," Carole said.
She posted an online warning other parents and, despite the few negative comments, hopes that parents take it seriously and are vigilant with their children's candy haul.
“There are so many people accusing me of making this up, just for the attention, which is absolutely ridiculous,” said Carole. “I can’t imagine why anyone would think that. I’m a mother and I want other parents to be careful.
"It doesn’t matter how many days have passed; check all the candy when it comes in the house. You just never know," she added.
Carole said that police have told her it's difficult to find the source in these cases, but has been assured it's being investigated thoroughly.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday it was very disturbing to be called regarding the incident, but it appears to be an isolated one.
“Discovering the needle embedded in the Halloween treat is something that no one ever expects and it puts what should be a fun time for children into a category that it shouldn’t be,” Leon said.
“This appears to be an isolated incident and we can be thankful that this youngster was not injured," he added. "The outcome could have been tragic.”
Although there are no known suspects at this time, police urge parents with children who may have attended homes on the identified streets to have a second look at their child’s candy to make sure it's safe.
Leon said instances of tainted candy are rare, but do occur from time to time.
In 2017, city police investigated after a Tootsie Roll was tampered with and a pill was found in it.
Anyone with information on the recent incident can contact Const. Claridge at [email protected], contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online at www.p3tips.com.
