RCMP probe metal found in Halloween treats in Labrador

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. – The RCMP are investigating after three reports of small metal objects found inside Halloween treats collected in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, on Saturday night, police said Sunday.

The reports came in following trick-or-treating on Oct. 31, according to VOCM, NTV and the NFLD Bulletin, which all carried the RCMP notice. VOCM and the NFLD Bulletin said the affected treats were treat-sized Coffee Crisp bars. NTV did not name a brand.

Police have not said where in the community the treats were collected, and they are still trying to determine where the affected candy came from. No injuries have been reported in the coverage published so far.

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay detachment is asking anyone who has similar candy to call 709-896-3383 or 1-800-709-RCMP (7267). Anyone who suspects a treat has been tampered with should set it aside and contact their local police detachment, the RCMP said.

Police are reminding parents and caregivers across the province to inspect Halloween treats before children eat them. Adults and trusted household members should check candy thoroughly for signs of tampering or manufacturing defects, make sure packaging is intact and confirm the treats come from a recognizable commercial brand, according to the RCMP advice as reported by NTV and the NFLD Bulletin.

The RCMP have not said whether they believe the objects were put in the candy deliberately. Neither the police notice as reported nor the news coverage includes a named police spokesperson, a comment from the candy’s manufacturer or a statement from Health Canada.

Similar reports in Newfoundland and Labrador have turned out to have an ordinary explanation. In October 2024, RCMP in the Carbonear area said metal found inside a sealed package of Halloween treats pointed to a manufacturing problem or another issue before distribution, rather than criminal activity or an intent to harm, VOCM reported at the time. The Labrador reports are a separate case, and the RCMP have not drawn any conclusion about their cause.

Police have long advised families to keep Halloween candy aside until an adult has gone through it. That means checking that wrappers are sealed and unopened, discarding anything homemade from an unfamiliar source, and watching for unusual weight, texture or damage in individual pieces. Anything that looks wrong should not be eaten and should be reported to police.

Families in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who collected candy on Saturday are being urged to go through it again now, even if it was already sorted. The RCMP said they will provide more information as the investigation continues.

For other Halloween weekend coverage, see our Weekend Ready guide on the Halloween chill, time change and tires.

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Sources: VOCM, NTV, NFLD Bulletin.