According to WSMV.com, the FDA is investigating product tampering after nails were found inside candy. A Baby Ruth candy bar and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups had nails inside them. They were sold at a Perry County, Tennessee convenience store.
No employees are suspected in this product tampering. All of the stores’ candy was opened and inspected by sheriff’s deputies and employees have passed polygraph tests. Hershey company employees and delivery truck drivers have also been eliminated as suspects. Investigator think the tampering happened inside the store, but they don’t know if an ex-employee or a customer put the nails in the candy.
No injuries have been reported to date. Everyone who found a nail inside the candy spit it out before it was swallowed. If you have any information about this crime, contact the police.
The FDA says that consumers should be alert about food tampering. It’s important to know what a normal food package or container looks like. If an outer seal or wrapper is missing, bring it to the service counter. Make sure that anti-tampering devices, such as extra seals, are in place before you purchase any item.
Don’t buy products that are damaged or look strange. Look at the food before you eat it. Candy, especially, has been the focus of product tampering in the past. Many people just pop an entire candy bar into their mouths; this could cause serious injury if foreign materials are in the food.
If you suspect tampering, report it to the store manager, and report it to your local police department. You can also contact the USDA at 1-800-535-4555 or the FDA at 1-866-300-4374.
